Automation & Controls Engineer - Solar Cell Manufacturing

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Bastrop, Texas, seeks an Automation & Controls Specialist for the Solar Cell Manufacturing facility to troubleshoot complex controls issues and design long‑term reliability improvements.

You will work hands‑on with electrical and controls software, build and wire control panels, and integrate with vendor equipment, including PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems.

Strong problem solving, safety mindset, and ability to read schematics are essential; shifts and overtime may be required.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic systems.
• Strong problem solving and communication skills.
• Safety-conscious and detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Integrate vendor/OEM equipment into Ignition SCADA for advanced line control.
• Maximize the uptime of all automation assets on our advanced manufacturing lines.
• Develop data analysis tools to root‑cause the largest downtime sources and propose long‑term fixes.
• Specify and procure required components, sensors, and hardware needed for implementing controls solutions.
• Wire, commission, and validate electromechanical and pneumatic control systems.
• Design and commission basic PLC and HMI software applications, and additions to existing systems.
• Interpret and develop logic for Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens TIA, and Allen‑Bradley RS Logix.
• Read, understand, and utilize system‑level schematics (mechanical/electrical/pneumatic/hydraulic).
• Support production devices (HMIs, VM’s, Thin Clients, IoT devices).

Skills

Fault finding

Problem solving

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Associate degree in engineering

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT

Siemens TIA

Allen-Bradley RSLogix

Ignition SCADA

Job description

SpaceX in Bastrop, Texas, seeks an Automation & Controls Specialist for the Solar Cell Manufacturing facility to troubleshoot complex controls issues and design long‑term reliability improvements.

You will work hands‑on with electrical and controls software, build and wire control panels, and integrate with vendor equipment, including PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems.

Strong problem solving, safety mindset, and ability to read schematics are essential; shifts and overtime may be required.