Automation & Controls Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

SpaceX; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an Automation & Controls Engineer for their Solar Cell Factory, responsible for designing and optimizing automation systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in controls and high-speed manufacturing, ensuring safe and efficient production processes for solar cell manufacturing.

This role involves writing and debugging PLC code, implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems, and collaborating with teams to meet critical milestones.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience with high-speed manufacturing, controls and automation, and/or programming.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems.
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL508A codes with ability to ensure compliance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and manage automation projects.
• Architect, write, and debug PLC code for high-volume manufacturing applications.
• Design electrical systems compliant to NEC, NFPA, & UL508A regulations.

Skills

High-speed manufacturing experience

Controls and automation

Excellent communication skills

Creative problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or chemical discipline

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Beckhoff TwinCAT

Job description

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 of enabling human life on Mars.

AUTOMATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER, SOLAR CELL FACTORY (STARLINK)

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

The Solar Cell team is revolutionizing power generation for space applications through advanced solar cell manufacturing. We're scaling production of high-efficiency solar cells to support sustainable energy solutions for Starlink constellations, launch vehicles, and beyond. As a Solar Cell Factory Automation and Controls Engineer, you will design, build, and optimize controls and automation systems for the production of solar cell manufacturing equipment and material movement mechanisms. This role requires a detail-oriented engineer passionate about safe electrical design, writing robust and elegant control code, and taking on total ownership of existing systems for optimization in addition to development of novel equipment, all while minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency in our cutting‑edge solar cell factory.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop, and manage automation projects - including initial factory ideation, machine commissioning, proof of rate capability, and eventual hand‑off to operational teams
• Architect, write, and debug PLC code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable for high-volume manufacturing applications
• Keep our factory safe and reliable by implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment
• Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens to make complex machines easy to understand, operate, and troubleshoot
• Integrate individual equipment pieces into master SCADA and MES systems
• Design electrical systems compliant to NEC, NFPA, & UL508A regulations
• Stay organized by creating schedules and budgets, and then motivate the team to achieve them

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or chemical discipline
• 1+ years of experience with high-speed manufacturing, controls and automation, and/or programming (internship and extracurricular experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Excited by a quick and iterative design and manufacturing role
• Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions in both design and implementation stages
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, with the ability to make plans and directional recommendations collaboratively and cross-functionally
• Ability to engineer creative, new approaches to problems while adhering to ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA safety requirements to keep a factory safe
• Hazardous process expertise in an aerospace, oil and gas, or chemical industry where high pressure or hazardous systems for fluids or gasses were in use
• Experience with at least one of the specific disciplines listed below. The ideal candidate is interested in learning at least the fundamentals of the other areas they are not yet strong in

Electrical/Industrial Controls

• Electrical sizing of motors, valves, pneumatics, cables, circuit protection, VFDs, motor starters, various other motion systems
• Design of fail-safe electrical circuits using both safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays
• Hands‑on experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems using tools like multimeters, oscilloscopes, EMI probes
• Proficiency in understanding and creating electrical schematics and single line diagrams (EPLAN preferred)
• Field bus networks, serial communication, Profinet and Ethernet communications
• Hands‑on experience designing and commissioning high quality electrical panels and electro‑mechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations in mind
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL508A codes with ability to ensure compliance with control system safety standards

Industrial Software

• PLC programming, preferably Siemens TIA Portal or Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text + ladder
• HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), ignition systems with focus on user friendly navigation and machine health monitoring and control
• Field Bus Networking protocols, preferably EtherCAT, Profinet, Profisafe, Ethernet/IP
• Robotics programming, preferably ABB
• Industrial software application to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, pneumatics/hydraulics, including how to safely checkout these interdisciplinary systems prior to production implementation

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

ITAR REQUIREMENTS

• 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.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].