Automation & Controls Engineer (Starship)

SpaceX; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Wisconsin seeks an Automation & Controls Engineer to develop automated solutions for the Starship production line. You will design electrical control panels, debug PLC code, and implement robotic systems for manufacturing.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree and has experience in automation systems, as well as excellent communication skills. Join a team dedicated to pioneering human life beyond Earth.

Qualifications

• 1+ years experience in automation and controls systems for industrial applications.
• Hands-on experience building and commissioning high quality electrical control panels.

Responsibilities

• Layout industrial electrical control panels and create schematics.
• Debug PLC code and develop robot systems for manufacturing.
• Manage electrical cabinet builds and deploy automated processes.

Skills

Automation systems design

Controls systems commissioning

PLC programming

Robotic welding applications

Electrical schematic CAD

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline

Tools

National Instruments software and hardware

EPlan CAD software

Siemens TIA Portal

Beckhoff TwinCat 3

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 (STARSHIP)

SpaceX's Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket (collectively referred to as Starship) represent a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond. Starship will be the world's most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, with the ability to carry in excess of 100 metric tons to Earth orbit. We are looking for an automation & controls engineer to help SpaceX develop and build a great variety of automated solutions for Starship Production. This role will be hands‑on in designing and activating hardware and software systems for the machines that make up the Starship production line. The role will also support transport and storage solutions for Starship vehicles. The successful applicant will join and be supported by a highly talented team of automation and control engineers with an amazing track record in developing any automated solution imaginable.

Responsibilities

• Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and carefully balance product specifications, process requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead‑time limits.
• Lay out new industrial electrical control panels that are NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant and create electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics.
• Architect, write, and debug PLC code, emphasizing generating organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable code for manufacturing applications.
• Develop robot systems to aid in the automated manufacturing of various vehicle sub‑components.
• Implement (ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant) control reliable safety systems for safeguarding robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment.
• Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens for complex machinery while providing sufficient feedback for troubleshooting.
• Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, pneumatic and fluid plumbing.
• Select and size electrical and electromechanical components such as servo motors and controllers.
• Deploy automated processes and equipment into production.
• Set, implement, and maintain schedules and budgets to ensure project completion.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years experience in the design and commissioning of automation and controls systems for industrial applications.

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience.
• Experience in a variety of robotic weld applications (Kuka, ABB & Fanuc).
• Robot and PLC simulation experience.
• Experience working with National Instruments software and hardware.
• Electrical schematic CAD experience using EPlan.
• C#, .NET, python and/or SQL experience.
• PLC programming experience, preferably Siemens TIA Portal & Beckhoff TwinCat 3.
• HMI and SCADA programming experience.
• Field bus networks, serial communication and Ethernet communication.
• Hands‑on experience building and commissioning high quality electrical control panels and electro‑mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79, UL508A codes.
• 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.
• Experience in fast‑paced iterative design and manufacturing environments.
• Experience solving complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team.

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed.
• Stand: Up to 6 hours per day.
• Sit: Up to 3 hours per day.
• Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day.
• Overhead reach: Up to 1 hour per day.
• Walk: Up to 3 hours per day.
• Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day.
• Climb (ladder/stairs): up to 3 hours per day.
• Kneel/Crouch: up to 3 hours per day.
• Upper body twist: Up to 3 hours per day.
• Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees: up to 3 hours per day.
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description.
• Candidate may be required to complete a pre‑employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review.

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].