Automation & Controls Specialist, Launch Pad (Starship)

SpaceX; United States; On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX seeks an Automation & Controls Specialist for the Starship program, based on the Launch Pad in California. You will bridge design and field activations by developing install plans for electrical and control systems, supporting manufacturing, and enabling high- cadence automated launches.

You will author instructions, troubleshoot systems, and collaborate with engineers to refine requirements, while repairing, testing, and validating hardware in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience with electrical or data acquisition systems.
• 2+ years designing electrical, mechanical, or control systems.
• Willing to work extended hours and lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Create work instructions for integration of electrical and controls systems and related structures.
• Identify designs that increase manufacturing difficulties and propose improvements.
• Provide production support: disposition issue tickets and define requirements with engineers.
• Troubleshoot electrical and controls systems.
• Select, modify, and maintain equipment for tests and fabrication projects.
• Onboard new machinery to increase build efficiency.
• Document build processes and data.
• Pursue process improvements from design to field deployment including supply chain, planning, communication, testing, tooling, and data review.

Skills

Electrical systems

Data acquisition

Control systems design

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Soldering

Crimping

Cable harness fabrication

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, LAUNCH PAD (STARSHIP)

The Starship Tower & Launch Mount team is looking for controls build specialists to help bring the next generation of launch pads to life. This role bridges the gap between detailed design and activations by developing plans for installing conveyances and pulling cables, building a healthy supply chain of commonly used parts, assisting in the field as needed, and feeding lessons learned from the build back to the design team. The systems the group is developing are intended to interface with the next generation of Starship vehicles, catch both stages, and enable a rapid, automated flight cadence that requires no manual actions between launches.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create work instructions for integration of electrical and controls systems as well as their related secondary structures
• Identify and elevate tricky designs that lead to manufacturing difficulties, and propose solutions for improving the process
• Provide production support: rapidly disposition issue tickets, work with engineers to define requirements and standard repairs
• Troubleshoot electrical and controls systems
• Select, modify, and maintain equipment needed to perform tests and fabrication projects
• Onboard new machinery or equipment to increase the efficiency of builds
• Document build processes
• Pursue initiatives to streamline the process of going from a design to completed hardware in the field including the areas of supply chain, planning generation, communication with technicians, test plans, tooling, checkouts, and data review

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 4+ years of professional experience working with electrical or data acquisition systems
• 2+ years of experience designing electrical, mechanical, or control systems (experience from a university or trade school qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Proficiency in writing and interpreting planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches
• Ability to install and use instrumentation including strain gages, pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, RTDs, accelerometers, and analog circuitry
• Ability to fabricate and repair cable harnesses including: soldering, crimping, assembling connectors
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment
• Ability to solve complex problems with minimal supervision on tight schedules

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Ability to work at elevated heights up to 500 feet
• Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
• Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 6 hours per day
• Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 10 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 6 hours or greater per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, operating heavy equipment and machinery, 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 (https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987).

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.