Automation & Controls Engineer San Francisco

Astranis Space Technologies Corp.; Allen (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Astranis Space Technologies Corp. seeks a control systems engineer to design and implement automated systems that enhance spacecraft manufacturing. The successful candidate will be pivotal in developing solutions that improve factory efficiency, safety, and performance. Applicants should have a strong control theory background and hands-on experience with automation projects in production environments.

Benefits

Equity options

High quality company-subsidized healthcare

Flexible PTO

401(K) retirement plan

Free on-site catered meals

Qualifications

• 4+ years of design and hands-on experience with industrial control systems.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in PLC programming.
• Strong foundation in control theory and integrated systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop custom automation solutions.
• Commission automation systems for production.
• Design sensor systems to monitor processes.

Skills

Control theory

PLC programming

Industrial automation

Programming in Python

System integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science

Tools

Beckhoff PLC

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley

Job description

As a team, we’ve launched five satellites into orbit, signed ten commercial deals worth over $1 billion in revenue, raised over $750 million from top global investors, and recruited a team of over 400 world-class engineers. We all work out of our (legendary) San Francisco office, which was once used to build ships during the World Wars.

Our satellites, which operate from geostationary orbit (GEO), weigh only 400 kg and utilize a proprietary software-defined radio payload. Each satellite can connect over two million people, and we’re very excited for the impact we’ll soon have in the Philippines, Peru, Mexico, and more!

Backed by substantial funding and a passionate, collaborative team, we offer a rewarding work environment where you'll learn and make a significant impact, no matter where you are in your career.

In this role, you’ll design, implement, and optimize automated systems for various assets and equipment that support the manufacturing and test of our spacecraft. You'll work at the intersection of hardware and software, driving efficiency, scalability, and precision across critical production workflows. If you're passionate about control systems, industrial automation, and enabling missions that connect the world, we want to hear from you.

Role

• Design and develop custom automation solutions and software across a range of new and existing production assets
• Commission automation systems as part of full solution delivery to the production floor
• Design sensor systems to monitor processes, ensure operator safety, and track factory status and performance
• Architect, program, and commission PLC-based control systems using modern industrial platforms (e.g., Beckhoff, Siemens, Allen-Bradley)
• Design user interfaces that make complex machines easy to control and troubleshoot
• Develop clear process and training documentation to support adoption and maintenance of automated solutions
• Generate electrical schematics and documentation to support system integration and troubleshooting
• Design electrical, robotic, and control systems to comply with relevant electrical and safety standards such as OSHA, NFPA 79, UL 508A, IEC 60204, ANSI B11, and ISO 13849

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a science or engineering discipline
• 4+ years of design and hands-on experience with building or integrating industrial control systems especially within electronics, automotive, or aerospace industries
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in PLC programming and control system design (Beckhoff, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or similar)
• Proven track record delivering automation projects in a production environment
• Strong control theory foundation and experience with integrated systems
• Programming experience in any of the following: C/C++/Python, Structured Text, SQL relational databases
• Must be onsite 5 days a week

Bonus

• Hands-on experience using data acquisition systems
• Knowledge of UNIX and Linux operating systems
• Knowledge of Ethernet protocols TCP/IP, UDP, DNS, HTTPS, EtherCat
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCat3 IDE, Structured Text (IEC 61131-3), Infosys
• Experience with designing and building electrical harnesses and connectors
• Experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop systems

What we offer:

All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits.

Base pay is a single component of Astranis's total rewards package, which may also include equity in the form of incentive stock options, high quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance benefits, flexible PTO, 401(K) retirement, and free on-site catered meals.

Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional-grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the level and scope of the position.

$120,000 - $130,000 USD

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required

(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))

Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.

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