Automation & Controls Engineer, Infrastructure & Utility (Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an Automation & Controls Engineer for infrastructure and utilities at Starbase, TX. You will design, build, operate, and maintain high-reliability automation systems supporting Starship production and launch operations.

Join a cross-functional team to scale critical power, HVAC, and fluids systems while mentoring engineers and driving continuous improvements. The role demands hands-on work and readiness for challenging environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field is required.
• 3+ years designing and implementing automation and control systems.
• Experience with PLC/SCADA/HMI and electrical schematics.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, operate, and maintain automation and control systems for Starbase infrastructure.
• Lead projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive improvements.
• Develop and deploy standardized automation for critical power and utilities.
• Maintain documentation for all SCADA systems.
• Mentor engineers and technicians in automation projects.
• Plan and execute weekly tasks to meet production needs.

Skills

Automation design

SCADA & control systems

Electrical schematics

Industrial networking

Troubleshooting & debugging

Programming (IEC-61131)

Documentation & mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Professional Engineering (PE) license (or intent to pursue)

Tools

EPLAN

AutoCAD

Ignition HMI

Siemens S7/Allen-Bradley PLCs

SCADA software

Job description

Automation & Controls Engineer, Infrastructure & Utility (Starship)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal ofenabling human life on Mars.

AUTOMATION AND CONTROLS ENGINEER, INFRASTRUCTURE & UTILITY (STARSHIP)

Join the Infrastructure Engineering team at SpaceX to pioneer the design, build, operation, and maintenance of critical power, HVAC, utility and fluids systems for Starship's launch, production, propellant generation, and the city of Starbase, TX. As a engineer, you'll work with a team to scale high-capacity infrastructure for the world's most powerful rocket, ensuring seamless energy and commodity for groundbreaking missions. The position is based at Starbase, TX, with potential travel to other SpaceX facilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, build, operate, and maintain the various automation, control and SCADA systems for ground infrastructure and utility systems that run Starbase, TX.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams; lead projects; and drive rapid, continuous improvements at Starbase.
• Manage control and automation upgrades to dynamically scale systems for Starship's production rate targets.
• Develop and deploy standardized automation for critical power and utility systems.
• Maintain organized documentation for all Starbase SCADA systems.
• Design, develop, deploy, and manage ground-up automation and controls projects, including initial trades, commissioning, hand-off, and training.
• Design and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications in a high-reliability production/launch environment.
• Design, redline, modify, and correct electrical and pneumatic schematics using a mix of in-house and 3rd-party tools (EPLAN, Schematics, etc.).
• Design new industrial electrical control panels that are NFPA 79/NEC/UL 508A compliant.
• Develop power systems controls and hardware in compliance with NFPA 70, 70B, 70E, NESC, and IEEE standards, prioritizing safety and engineering excellence.
• Create and update concise written and visual instructions from design review, technical drawings, and requirement documentation.
• Audit manufacturing processes, assessing inefficiencies, safety improvements, and automation opportunities.
• Develop SOWs, bargain, trade, and release contractor work to enable the in-house build team to keep pace with production needs.
• Mentor and lead a team of engineers and technicians in automation and controls projects.
• Proactively plan, prioritize, and execute weekly tasks to meet team objectives.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or another engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience designing, analyzing, and working on automation and control systems (internship and school projects experience qualify).

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES:

• 3+ years of professional experience in a similar role.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license (or intention to pursue).
• Experience designing/developing HMI applications with Ignition.
• Familiar with SEL, Allen Bradley and Siemens suite of control devices.
• Experience developing and deploying server/client SCADA applications.
• Ability to analyze electrical one-line drawings, DC/AC schematics, and bills of materials.
• Experience designing control logic schemes and network configurations.
• Experience with IEC-61131 programming.
• Experience with IT/OT network design and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with industrial communications protocols and networking: Modbus, IEEE C37.115, IEEE C37.111, DNP3, etc.
• Demonstrated initiative, creative problem-solving, and strong analytical/engineering fundamentals.
• Electrical schematic CAD experience using EPlan, AutoCAD, etc.
• C#, .NET, python and/or SQL experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills to prioritize, schedule, and implement solutions with minimal operational impact.
• Ability to quickly troubleshoot issues and support technicians hands-on.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights.
• Work extended hours and weekends as needed to support launch operations.
• Remain focused in hazardous environments while wearing appropriate PPE.
• Lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted.
• Provide 24/7 on-call support for emergencies.
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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