Automation & Controls Specialist (Starship)

SpaceX; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Production Automation & Controls Specialist to own and install automation assets, panels, and drawings for Starship tooling. You will lead installations, commission hardware, and drive reliability improvements in production systems to support spaceflight programs.

The role involves collaborating with engineers and technicians, programming PLCs and HMIs, analyzing data, drafting electrical schematics, and supporting continuous improvement within a fast-paced space environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency.
• 1+ years of experience in a controls technician or specialist role.
• Experience programming PLCs and HMIs.
• Knowledge of NFPA 70/70E, NFPA 79 & UL508A codes.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute industrial automation projects with engineers and technicians.
• Develop and upgrade data acquisition and control systems.
• Program PLCs and HMIs per design.
• Draft and redline electrical/fluids schematics and drawings.
• Lead technicians and contractors to deliver on schedule.
• Perform continuous improvements for processes and build times.

Skills

Industrial automation

PLC programming

HMI programming

Data acquisition

Electrical safety

Troubleshooting

Circuit design

PCB design

Instrumentation

C/C++ basics

Python basics

Education

High school diploma

Trade school qualification (instrumentation/electrical)

Tools

IPC-620

NFPA 70/70E knowledge

UL508A experience

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 (STARSHIP)

SpaceX is committed to developing revolutionary space technology, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets. The Production Automation & Controls Specialist will support the development and construction of tooling for Starship and Super Heavy Booster, part of a fully reusable transportation system designed to launch both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

The Production Automation & Controls Specialist role is a system-focused, multi-faceted position. The specialist will be responsible for owning, installing and commissioning of new automation assets, panel builds, and drawing updates. Additionally, the Automation and Controls Specialist will be responsible for implementing long-term reliability improvements to production systems. This role provides operational support in the review and interpretation of data collected on these systems. Specialists commission and integrate physical hardware including but not limited to wire harnesses, PCBs, custom enclosures, PLCs, data acquisition systems, pneumatic systems, and sensors. The Automation and Controls Specialist’s systems support operations that enable safe, economical, and reliable access to space.

Responsibilities

• Own and hands-on execute industrial automation projects, in collaboration with Engineers, specialists, and Technicians from different groups
• Develop and upgrade data acquisition and control systems
• Provide technical support and guidance for controls technicians and other non-controls engineering groups
• Lead technicians and/or contractors efficiently
• Commission new hardware
• Actively perform continuous improvements for team processes, quality, faster build times, lower maintenance needs, project kitting, streamlined communication between teams, and feedback loops
• Perform daily task prioritization including risk mitigation on current and upcoming projects
• Draft and redline drawings in Electrical and Fluids Schematics
• Be a liaison, in design stage and during builds, between Tooling Engineering and Automation & Controls for controls hardware mounting and overall cable management
• Program PLC’s and HMI’s according to engineering design
• Analyze data to assess the function of electrical systems
• Assist in the design and analysis of experiments to evaluate test articles
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of experience in a controls technician or specialist role

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Occupational trade school qualification in an instrumentation or electrical-based field
• Knowledge of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety), NFPA 79 & UL508A codes
• Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
• Strong work ethic and drive to succeed as part of a high-functioning team
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity, independently drive project progress, and manage multiple priorities
• Knowledge of high-reliability processes and related documentation practices
• Experience in programming PLC and HMI
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement and troubleshoot data acquisition and control hardware
• Fundamental understanding of engineering principles behind electronic equipment, instrumentation, and commonly used industrial equipment
• Select and size electrical and electromechanical components such as servo motors, controllers, and VFDs
• Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (NFPA 70 Section 500 installations); Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 environments or IEC equivalence
• General schematic capture and printed circuit board (PCB) design and/or verification and validation experience
• Experience tuning PID controllers
• Experience with electrical power distribution, working knowledge of NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E
• Experience with connectorization standards such as IPC-620, NASA 8739.4, and D38999 specifications
• First-hand experience with programming and software development
• Experience with industrial bus protocols such as Modbus, Profinet and EtherNet/IP
• Hands-on experience activating, building, and troubleshooting analog electronic systems
• Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience.
• Exposure to C/C++, Python, and JavaScript
• Experience with Linux-based operating systems

Additional Requirements

• Available to work overtime and weekends when needed based on site operational needs; flexibility required
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, flashing lights, heat, cold, rain, and noise
• Occasional travel to other SpaceX or 3rd party facilities, up to 25%
• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings
• Ability to work at elevated heights (200+ feet)
• Ability to perform physical tasks such as climbing up and down stairs and/or ladders regularly throughout the day
• Ability to lift light weight supplies or materials (up to 25lbs unassisted)
• Stand: Up to 6 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 3 hours per day
• Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) 2 hours or longer per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 1 hour per day
• Walk: Up to 3 hours per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 2 hours or longer 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.
• 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 Affiantative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].