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

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP in Bastrop, TX, seeks an Automation & Controls Specialist to design and improve automation systems for production. This role includes troubleshooting electromechanical systems and developing new automation solutions.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in automation, is proficient in PLC and HMI programming, and excels in a dynamic environment. Benefits and growth opportunities are available.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 2+ years in manufacturing; OR bachelor's degree in relevant discipline.
• 2+ years in a hands-on automation environment in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Integrate and troubleshoot electromechanical automation systems.
• Develop new automation solutions and improve existing processes.
• Read and use system-level schematics.
• Design and build industrial control panels to standards.
• Implement PLC/HMI software applications.
• Procure components for control systems.
• Maintain production areas according to safety and workflow principles.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Hands-on automation experience

Industrial control panels

Electrical schematics

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate with 2+ years experience

Bachelor's degree in engineering, math or science

Tools

EPLAN

AutoCAD Electrical

TwinCAT

Siemens TIA Portal

RSLogix

Job description

Bastrop, TX

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 3:30 pm to 2:00 am
• 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%)
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident, (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 Aff... require reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].