Automation & Controls Engineer (Optical Products)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as an Automation & Controls Engineer, where you'll tackle complex challenges in automated manufacturing for cutting-edge satellite communication systems. In this dynamic role, you will design and implement production automation assets, ensuring safety and reliability in high-volume environments. Collaborate with talented engineers and contribute to innovative solutions that push the boundaries of technology. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a team that values curiosity, learning, and collaboration while delivering impactful technology on a global scale. If you're passionate about automation and eager to make a difference, this position is for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage

Vision coverage

Dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Company stock options

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Company shuttles for commuting

Qualifications

• 1+ years experience in automation and controls systems, especially in micro-electronics or aerospace.
• Programming experience in C/C++, Python, or Ladder Logic.

Responsibilities

• Design and commission automated processes in high volume manufacturing.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure products are reliable for automated production.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Ladder Logic

Structured Text

Excellent communication skills

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science

Tools

PLC programming

SECS/GEM protocols

Industrial sensors

Vision systems

Job description

AUTOMATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER (OPTICAL PRODUCTS)

The Starlink space lasers team develops automated manufacturing and testing solutions for the most cutting-edge satellite communication systems in the world. We are looking for an innovative and experienced automation and controls engineer to drive complex automated manufacturing and testing problems to resolution. On the space lasers test team, you will design and deploy production automation assets to both manufacture and test optical payloads for satellites. Our engineers are endlessly curious, love to learn and try out new things, and work collaboratively across disciplines in a dynamic environment with changing needs as we strive to deliver high-impact technology on a global scale.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, develop and commission automated processes and production cells in high volume manufacturing environments.
• Own development of factory automation software which controls process flow, monitors factory health and minimizes factory downtime.
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams on the space lasers team to ensure products are designed for automated production and reliability.
• Keep our factory safe and reliable by implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment.
• Design sensor systems to monitor processes, ensure operator safety, and track factory status and performance.
• Interface with vendor hardware software to integrate them into the factory workflow.
• Design user interfaces that make complex machines easy to control and troubleshoot.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, or computer science or related STEM field.
• 1+ years of experience in design and/or commissioning of automation, robotic cells, factory floor layouts, controls systems, or complex system architecture, especially within micro-electronics, automotive or aerospace industries.
• Programming experience in any of the following: C/C++/Python/Ladder Logic or Structured Text.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with SECS/GEM protocols.
• Experience with micro-electronics assembly machinery and processes.
• PLC programming experience.
• Experience with robotics, motion control, object-oriented programming (OOP), state machines, image processing, data engineering, vision inspection, various sensors, and/or internet of things (IoT).
• Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience.
• Field bus networks, serial communication and Ethernet communication.
• Exposure to a wide variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (vision systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, nut-runners, etc.).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong desire and ability to learn quickly, adapt and innovate.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Automation & Controls Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year
Automation & Controls Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.