Automation & Controls Technician — PLC & HMI Specialist

SpaceX; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Texas is seeking an Industrial Controls Technician to join the Automation & Controls team. The successful candidate will focus on integrating and commissioning electromechanical production systems, developing new automation solutions, and building industrial control panels while adhering to stringent safety standards. Strong experience in automation and familiarity with mechanical and electrical systems are essential for this role, which emphasizes creativity and problem-solving to enhance production capabilities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 2+ years of automation experience in a manufacturing and production environment.
• 2+ years of experience working with mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic systems.

Responsibilities

• Integrate and commission electromechanical production systems.
• Develop and execute new automation solutions for production lines.
• Build industrial control panels to NFPA 79 & UL 508A standards.

Skills

Automation experience

Mechanical systems knowledge

Electrical systems knowledge

Troubleshooting skills

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Tools

EPLAN Electrical/Fluid

Visio software

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.

INDUSTRIAL CONTROLS TECHNICIAN (STARLINK DEVELOPMENT)

SpaceX is developing a low-latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable. The Automation & Controls team is responsible for designing, building, installing, and commissioning new automation assets, which are key in enabling production. The Automation & Controls Specialists are responsible for the hands-on integration, commissioning, and design iteration process alongside engineering to deliver safe, innovative, and reliable solutions for the Starlink program.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Integrate and commission electromechanical production systems using a wide array of tools, machines, and equipment, and collaborate with engineering to deliver solutions
• Develop, build, and execute new automation solutions for our production lines and work to improve existing automated assets to meet production requirements
• Read, understand, utilize, and redline system-level schematics (mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic)
• Build industrial control panels to NFPA 79 & UL 508A standards
• Design, implement, and commission PLC and HMI software applications
• Spec and procure required components, sensors, and hardware needed for implementing control solutions
• Maintain and support the operation of the automation lab by enforcing proper workflow, safety, tidiness, and inventory control of consumables and equipment
• Perform and promote 5S principles of organizing and sustaining an efficient and presentable team work space
• Work creatively and innovate to support team goals by always being prepared to challenge the status quo and develop unique solutions

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of automation experience in a manufacturing and production environment
• 2+ years of experience working with mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated hands-on skill in fault finding and mechanical system troubleshooting
• Creative, detail oriented, and highly organized with exceptional communication skills
• Strong, working knowledge of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety), NFPA 79, and UL508A codes
• PLC & HMI programming experience or familiarization using ladder logic and structured text (Beckoff Twincat, Siemens TIA, and Allen-Bradley RSLogix)
• Experience with electrical and pneumatic schematics for automated equipment using EPLAN Electrical/Fluid and Visio software suites or equivalent
• Experience with electrical control panel design, building, and wiring
• Excellent skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Skilled in gathering and analyzing information to understand complex problems
• Ability to maintain a safe and clean working environment while adhering to company policies, quality policies, and industry standards

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to acquire forklift certification
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
• Must be willing to work overtime and weekends as required to support critical milestones

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].