Automation & Controls Technician, Infrastructure & Utility (Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX, based at Starbase, TX, seeks an Automation & Controls Technician to design, install, operate, and maintain critical automation and utility systems for Starship infrastructure. You will support power, HVAC, and fluids systems, coordinating with cross-functional teams to meet production goals and safety standards.

The role requires hands-on troubleshooting, PLC/HMI/SCADA configuration, and documentation of procedures, with a focus on reliability, safety, and continuous improvement in a

Qualifications

• 1+ years installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining automation and controls systems.
• Experience with PLC, HMI, and SCADA.
• Certifications such as ISA CCST, NICET, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley beneficial.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and bills of materials.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, operate, and maintain automation and SCADA systems for Starbase, TX.
• Support cross-functional projects and drive continuous improvements.
• Configure and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications in high-reliability environments.
• Create concise work instructions and document procedures.
• Audit processes for safety, efficiency, and automation opportunities.

Skills

Automation systems

SCADA

Electrical troubleshooting

HMI design

Ladder logic

IT/OT networking

Scripting

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Ignition

EPLAN

AutoCAD

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley

Job description

Automation & Controls Technician, Infrastructure & Utility (Starship)

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 AND CONTROLS TECHNICIAN, INFRASTRUCTURE & UTILITY (STARSHIP)

Join the Infrastructure Engineering team at SpaceX to pioneer the design, build, operation, and maintenance of critical power, HVAC, utility and fluids systems systems for Starship's launch, production, propellant generation, and the city of Starbase, TX. As a technician, you'll work with a team to scale high-capacity infrastructure for the world's most powerful rocket, ensuring seamless energy and commodity for groundbreaking missions. The position is based at Starbase, TX, with potential travel to other SpaceX facilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Install, configure, operate, and maintain various automation, control and SCADA systems for the infrastructure and utility systems that run Starbase, TX.
• Support cross-functional teams on projects and contribute to rapid, continuous improvements at Starbase.
• Assist with control and automation upgrades to scale systems for Starship's production rate targets.
• Deploy and troubleshoot standardized automation for critical power and utility systems.
• Maintain organized documentation for all Starbase SCADA systems.
• Support ground-up automation and controls projects, including commissioning, testing, hand-off, and training.
• Configure and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications in a high-reliability production/launch environment.
• Update, redline, and troubleshoot electrical and pneumatic schematics using in-house and 3rd-party tools (EPLAN, Schematics, etc.).
• Assemble and wire industrial electrical control panels that are NFPA 79/NEC/UL 508A compliant.
• Install and maintain power systems controls and hardware in compliance with NFPA 70, 70B, 70E, NESC, and IEEE standards, prioritizing safety.
• Create and update concise written and visual work instructions based on technical drawings and requirements.
• Audit manufacturing processes, identifying inefficiencies, safety improvements, and automation opportunities.
• Support development of SOWs and coordination of contractor work to enable the in-house build team to keep pace with production needs.
• Train and mentor junior technicians in automation and controls tasks.
• Proactively plan, prioritize, and execute weekly tasks to meet team objectives.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 1+ years of hands-on experience installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining automation and controls systems.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES:

• 3+ years of professional experience in industrial automation or controls.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., ISA CCST, NICET, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
• Experience designing/developing HMI applications with Ignition.
• Familiar with SEL, Allen Bradley and Siemens suite of control devices.
• Experience deploying and troubleshooting server/client SCADA applications.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical one-line drawings, DC/AC schematics, and bills of materials.
• Experience implementing control logic schemes (e.g., ladder logic) and basic network configurations.
• Experience with IEC-61131 programming (ladder logic, structured text).
• Experience with IT/OT network troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with industrial communications protocols: Modbus, IEEE C37.115, IEEE C37.111, DNP3, etc.
• Experience with electrical schematic CAD tools (EPLAN, AutoCAD, etc.).
• Experience with C#, .NET, Python, and/or SQL for scripting and automation tasks.
• Demonstrated initiative, creative problem-solving, and strong hands-on troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills to prioritize, schedule, and implement solutions with minimal operational impact.
• Proven ability to work independently or in teams in dynamic, high-stress environments with tight deadlines.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights.
• Work extended hours and weekends as needed to support launch operations.
• Remain focused in hazardous environments while wearing appropriate PPE.
• Lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Provide 24/7 on-call support for emergencies.
• 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.

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