Automation & Controls Specialist, Solar Cell Manufacturing (Starlink)

SpaceX; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Texas is seeking an Automation & Controls Specialist for the Solar Cell Manufacturing facility (Starlink) to troubleshoot complex controls issues, design new controls components, and integrate vendor equipment. The role demands hands-on electrical work, PLC/HMI/SCADA development, and data-driven decision making.

You will wire and commission control panels, support production devices, interpret schematics, and collaborate across teams to improve uptime and reliability on advanced

Qualifications

• 2+ years in manufacturing environment or a relevant engineering degree
• Experience with mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic systems
• Hands-on fault finding and problem resolution skills
• Familiarity with electrical safety standards (NFPA 70/70E) is a plus

Responsibilities

• Integrate vendor equipment into centralized SCADA software for advanced line control
• Maximize uptime of automation assets on manufacturing lines
• Develop data analysis tools to identify downtime root causes and propose long-term fixes
• Specify and procure components, sensors, and hardware for controls solutions
• Wire, commission, and validate electromechanical and pneumatic control systems
• Design and commission PLC and HMI software and extensions to existing systems
• Work with Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens TIA, and Allen-Bradley RSLogix logic
• Read and apply electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics
• Support production devices including HMIs and IoT devices

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical & controls troubleshooting

Schematics reading

Data analysis

Team player

Education

High School diploma or equivalency

Bachelor's degree in engineering, math, or science

Tools

Ignition SCADA

TwinCAT

Siemens TIA

Allen-Bradley RSLogix

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, SOLAR CELL MANUFACTURING (STARLINK)

SpaceX is becoming a world leader in electronics manufacturing in the heart of Texas. The Automation & Controls Specialist for the Solar Cell Manufacturing facility will be responsible for 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. Additionally, the Automation & Controls Specialist will be responsible for assisting in the design of new controls components and integrating with vendor‑provided equipment. The Automation & Controls Specialist makes data‑driven decisions and is skilled in both hands‑on electrical and controls software. This includes servicing and building industrial control panels, robotic and electromechanical controls systems, and PLC, HMI, and SCADA development.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Integrate vendor/OEM equipment into centralized SCADA software (Ignition) 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, VMs, 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 working with mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic systems

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Associate or bachelor's degree in 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 and HMI programming experience or familiarization using ladder logic and structured text (Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens TIA, and Allen‑Bradley RS Logix)
• 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

• Due to the nature of production line bring‑up, the work schedule will evolve throughout ramp
• Will start as 8 AM – 6 PM (Monday – Friday)
• Final permanent schedules:
  • A‑Shift: 5 AM – 5 PM (Sunday‑Tuesday and every other Wednesday)
  • B‑Shift: 5 AM – 5 PM (Thursday‑Saturday and every other Wednesday)
  • C‑Shift: 5 PM – 5 AM (Sunday‑Tuesday and every other Wednesday)
  • D‑Shift: 5 PM – 5 AM (Thursday‑Saturday and every other Wednesday)
• 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
• Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime and weekends as needed

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.