Automation & Controls Specialist (Starlink Production)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer in Bastrop, TX seeks an Automation & Controls Specialist to build, install, and commission new automation equipment. The role includes troubleshooting complex control systems, creating electrical schematics, and programming PLC and HMI systems. Candidates should have a high school diploma or equivalent with at least 2 years of manufacturing experience. Strong problem resolution, analytical, and interpersonal skills are required, with availability for multiple shifts. This is a full-time position offering growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing and production environment.
• Experience with mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic systems.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics and drawings.

Responsibilities

• Create and modify electrical and pneumatic schematics.
• Commission and validate control systems.
• Design basic PLC and HMI software applications.
• Troubleshoot PLC and HMI software issues.
• Support production devices including HMIs and IoT devices.

Skills

Problem resolution skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Team player

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Bachelor's degree in engineering, math, or science

Tools

EPLAN Electrical/Fluid

Visio

PLC programming

HMI programming

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Automation & Controls Specialist (Starlink Production)

Bastrop, TX

The Automation & Controls Specialist will be responsible for building, installing, and commissioning new automation assets, panel builds, and electromechanical controls systems. Additionally, the specialist will assist equipment maintenance by troubleshooting complex controls issues within existing critical assets, focusing on long‑term repairs to improve overall reliability of production systems.

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, 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 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
• 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

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR.

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, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.