Automation & Controls Specialist, Assembly Manufacturing (Starlink)

SpaceX; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is hiring an Automation & Controls Specialist for Starlink assembly manufacturing in Texas. The role involves building, installing, and commissioning automation assets, panel builds, and electromechanical controls systems to ensure production reliability.

The successful candidate will design control logic, interpret system schematics, and support maintenance with long-term repair solutions while adhering to safety and NFPA/UL standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency with 2+ years in manufacturing/production or a bachelor’s in engineering/science.

Responsibilities

• Create, redline, modify electrical and pneumatic schematics for automated equipment.
• Wire, commission, and validate electromechanical and pneumatic control systems.
• Build control panels to NFPA 79 & UL 508A standards.
• Design and commission PLC and HMI software applications.
• Troubleshoot PLC/HMI software and support maintenance of assets.

Skills

Fault finding

Troubleshooting

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

EPLAN

Visio

Beckhoff TwinCAT

Siemens TIA

Allen-Bradley RSLogix

HMI programming

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 SPECIALIST, ASSEMBLY MANUFACTURING (STARLINK)

SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable. The Automation & Controls Specialist will be responsible for building, installing, and commissioning new automation assets, panel builds, and electromechanical controls systems. Additionally, the Automation & Controls Specialist will be responsible for assisting equipment maintenance with troubleshooting complex controls issues within existing SpaceX critical assets, with the focus on adding long term repairs that increase the overall reliability of production systems, rather than implementing quick fix solutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create, redline, modify, and correct electrical and pneumatic schematics for automated equipment using EPLAN Electrical/Fluid and Visio software suites
• Wire, commission, and validate electromechanical and pneumatic control systems
• Build control panels to NFPA 79 & UL 508A standards
• Design and commission basic PLC and HMI software applications
• Interpret and develop logic for Beckoff Twincat, Siemens TIA, and Allen-Bradley RSLogix
• Troubleshoot and modify PLC and HMI software
• Spec and procure required components, sensors, and hardware needed for implementing controls solutions
• Develop new and improve design on existing production assets
• Establish effective project management skills to drive efficient project completion
• Promote 5S principles of organizing and sustaining efficient and presentable team work spaces
• Read, understand, and utilize system-level schematics (mechanical/electrical/pneumatic/hydraulic)
• Support production devices (HMIs, VM’s, Thin Clients, IoT devices)

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate and 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing and production environment; OR bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
• 2+ years of experience with working with mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate or bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
• Demonstrated hands‑on skill in fault finding, mechanical system troubleshooting, and solid problem resolution skills
• Highly motivated with strong interpersonal skills; a team player, yet able to work independently when necessary
• Exceptional problem solving and communication skills, creative, and has strong organizational skills as well as documentation
• Strong, working knowledge of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety), NFPA 79 & UL508A codes
• PLC & HMI programming experience or familiarization using Ladder Logic and Structured Text Language
• Mechanical equipment design/build experience
• Experience with electrical control panel design, building, and wiring
• Electrical schematic drawing/updates
• Excellent skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Detail oriented, organized, and able to demonstrate a high sense of urgency
• Ability to read and interpret electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics and drawings
• Analytical skills – Skilled at gathering and analyzing information to understand complex situations and solve problems
• Ability to maintain a safe and clean working environment while adhering to company policies, quality policies, and industry standards

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be available one or more of the following shifts:
  • A shift, 5am-5pm Sunday‑Tuesday, every other Wednesday
  • B shift, 5am-5pm Thursday‑Saturday, every other Wednesday
  • C shift, 5pm-5am Sunday‑Tuesday, every other Wednesday
  • D shift, 5pm-5am Thursday‑Saturday, every other Wednesday
• Must be willing and able to work all shifts and available for overtime and weekends as needed
• Must be able to gain forklift certification
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

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].