Automation & Controls Specialist, Tool & Die - 2nd Shift

SpaceX; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Texas is seeking an Automation & Controls Specialist to support the tooling and die shop for the Starlink project. The ideal candidate will integrate automation systems, develop solutions, and maintain standards for efficiency and safety. This role requires hands-on experience in manufacturing automation and a solid understanding of electrical schematics.

Preferred qualifications include experience with PLC programming and industrial control systems. Applicants should be prepared to work second shifts and overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing and production environment.
• Experience in hands-on automation or controls.

Responsibilities

• Integrate, commission, and troubleshoot electromechanical automation systems.
• Develop and build new automation solutions.
• Design, build, and wire industrial control panels.
• Implement corrective actions and maintain automation standards.

Skills

PLC and HMI programming

Electrical schematics reading

Industrial control panel design

Hands-on automation experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in engineering, math, or science

Tools

EPLAN

AutoCAD Electrical

Beckhoff TwinCAT

Siemens TIA Portal

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, TOOL & DIE

One of the most ambitious missions SpaceX has undertaken, the Starlink satellite constellation, is our solution to providing reliable, high-speed internet to the entire world — including rural communities and areas with little or no connectivity. We are looking for talented Automation & Controls Specialists to help design, build, integrate, commission, and continuously improve automation systems that support our tool and die shop.

Our tool and die shop makes the molds (dies) that are used to produce high volume components for Starlink User Terminal and other programs. This role is responsible for delivering safe, innovative, and reliable automation assets that drive quality, throughput, and cost targets. It is an ideal next career step if you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, enjoy solving difficult technical problems with high impact, and love building and optimizing systems from the ground up.

Responsibilities

• Integrate, commission, and troubleshoot electromechanical automation systems, collaborating closely with engineering to deliver production-ready solutions
• Develop and build new automation solutions while improving existing assets to meet evolving production requirements
• Read and use system-level schematics (electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic)
• Design, build, and wire industrial control panels to NFPA 79 and UL 508A standards
• Design, implement, and commission PLC and HMI software applications using ladder logic and structured text
• Specify and procure components, sensors, actuators, and hardware required for control system implementation
• Implement corrective actions and robust preventative maintenance processes
• Develop and maintain automation standards that improve consistency, reliability, uptime, and safety
• Maintain production areas by enforcing proper workflow, 5S principles, safety, tidiness, and inventory control

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 professional experience in a hands-on automation or controls environment in manufacturing

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Hands‑on experience with PLC and HMI programming (Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens TIA Portal, Allen‑Bradley RSLogix/Logix5000, or similar)
• Experience designing, building, and troubleshooting industrial control panels and automation systems
• Working knowledge of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 70E, NFPA 79, and UL 508A standards
• Experience reading and creating electrical/pneumatic schematics using EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical, Visio, NX, or SolidWorks

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work the following hours:
  • 2nd shift: Monday to Friday from 3:30pm to 2:00am
• Able to work overtime and weekends as needed to support critical production milestones
• Must be able to acquire forklift certification
• Standing for long periods, climbing ladders, bending, grasping, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Able to travel for business trips as needed (up to 25%)

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].