Automation & Controls Engineer (Starlink Production)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-tech aerospace company located in Bastrop, TX, is seeking an Automation & Controls Engineer to design and manage automation projects for their innovative Starlink production environment. The role involves developing PLC code, ensuring safety compliance for manufacturing systems, and leading multi-disciplinary projects. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering and at least one year of relevant experience, along with skills in industrial automation and robot systems.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in industrial or factory automation design.
• Experience with electro-mechanical/robotic/automated systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot industrial electrical systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage automation projects for factory systems.
• Write and debug PLC code for high-volume manufacturing.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations for manufacturing equipment.

Skills

Industrial automation design

PLC programming

Electromechanical systems

Electrical schematics

Robotics programming

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or computer science

Tools

Multimeters

EPLAN

Safety PLCs

Job description

Bastrop, TX

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 (STARLINK PRODUCTION)

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 world.

As a member of this team you will lead creative, multi-disciplinary projects spanning machine design, robotics, motion systems, and factory health monitoring that all come together to form the innovative, high-rate factories that allow us to deliver internet to those that need it most.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop, and manage automation projects - this includes 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
• 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 an engineering, physics, or computer science discipline
• 1+ years of experience in one or a combination of the following:
  • Professional or internship experience in industrial or factory automation design and implementation
  • Involvement with a project team designing and building electro‑mechanical/robotic/automated systems or products beyond classroom assignments

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Ability to engineer creative, new approaches to problems while adhering to ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA safety requirements to keep a factory safe
• Experience with electromechanical systems
• Electrical sizing of motors, cables, circuit protection, VFD’s, 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, and Ethernet communication
• 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
• PLC programming, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text programming
• Programming and implementing machine safety software through the use of safety PLC’s
• 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
• Must be willing to travel up to 10%
• 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.