Automation & Controls Engineer – Solar Cell Manufacturing

SpaceX; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Texas is seeking an Automation & Controls Specialist for the Solar Cell Manufacturing facility (Starlink) to troubleshoot complex controls issues, design new controls components, and integrate vendor equipment. The role demands hands-on electrical work, PLC/HMI/SCADA development, and data-driven decision making.

You will wire and commission control panels, support production devices, interpret schematics, and collaborate across teams to improve uptime and reliability on advanced

Qualifications

• 2+ years in manufacturing environment or a relevant engineering degree
• Experience with mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic systems
• Hands-on fault finding and problem resolution skills
• Familiarity with electrical safety standards (NFPA 70/70E) is a plus

Responsibilities

• Integrate vendor equipment into centralized SCADA software for advanced line control
• Maximize uptime of automation assets on manufacturing lines
• Develop data analysis tools to identify downtime root causes and propose long-term fixes
• Specify and procure components, sensors, and hardware for controls solutions
• Wire, commission, and validate electromechanical and pneumatic control systems
• Design and commission PLC and HMI software and extensions to existing systems
• Work with Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens TIA, and Allen-Bradley RSLogix logic
• Read and apply electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics
• Support production devices including HMIs and IoT devices

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical & controls troubleshooting

Schematics reading

Data analysis

Team player

Education

High School diploma or equivalency

Bachelor's degree in engineering, math, or science

Tools

Ignition SCADA

TwinCAT

Siemens TIA

Allen-Bradley RSLogix

Job description

SpaceX in Texas is seeking an Automation & Controls Specialist for the Solar Cell Manufacturing facility (Starlink) to troubleshoot complex controls issues, design new controls components, and integrate vendor equipment. The role demands hands-on electrical work, PLC/HMI/SCADA development, and data-driven decision making.

You will wire and commission control panels, support production devices, interpret schematics, and collaborate across teams to improve uptime and reliability on advanced