Automation Engineer, Precision Blades & Vanes Foundry

Spacex; Bastrop (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an Automation Engineer for the Blades and Vanes Foundry in Bastrop, TX. The role focuses on designing, developing, and maintaining core control systems for investment casting and manufacturing processes.

You will integrate PLC/SCADA with MES for real-time optimization, build scalable data systems, and create robust electrical cabinets and safety systems. Collaboration across teams is required in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering, physics, or computer science discipline.
• 1+ years of experience in automation and control systems design or commissioning.
• Experience configuring control networks (Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, BACnet, Serial).

Responsibilities

• Integrate electromechanical systems with investment casting equipment (wax/ceramic injectors, furnaces).
• Develop data systems from concept to production, analyze KPI trends.
• Interface Python/SQL with MES and production databases for real-time monitoring.
• Create and optimize HMI/SCADA/MES interfaces and apply predictive analytics for health monitoring.
• Lay out electrical control panels compliant with NFPA79/NEC/UL508A and create schematics.
• Write, debug, and maintain PLC code for manufacturing applications.
• Implement ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant safety systems for robots and conveyors.
• Size electrical/electromechanical components and manage cabinet builds and wiring.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA integration

Python

SQL

Electrical systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/ physics/ CS

Tools

ePLAN

HMI/SCADA

MES

VFDs

Job description

Automation Engineer, Blades and Vanes Foundry

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

AUTOMATION ENGINEER, BLADES AND VANES FOUNDRY

Power generation poses a key challenge that could slow the worldwide adoption of AI. The Blades and Vanes Investment Casting Manufacturing Team produces components for power generation using investment casting to create equiaxed, directionally solidified, and single-crystal components that excel under the most demanding operating conditions. As an automation engineer at SpaceX, you will apply first principles thinking to design, develop, and maintain core control systems at the cutting edge of investment casting and other manufacturing processes. This includes integrating PLC/SCADA with advanced manufacturing and energy systems for physics-driven optimization of production processes, as well as developing scalable systems for functionality enhancements, quality inspection, and real-time process optimization.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Integrate electromechanical and mechatronic systems with critical investment casting equipment, including wax injectors, ceramic injectors, preheating, melting, and controlled solidification furnaces
• Design and develop manufacturing data systems from concept to production, analyzing equipment KPI trends, conducting reliability analysis to create scalable systems for production output, quality inspection, real-time process optimization, and maintenance strategies to enhance equipment uptime and reliability
• Implement solutions for data collection/storage, using Python/SQL to interface with MES and production databases, while incorporating sensor data for real-time condition monitoring and fault prediction
• Create and optimize HMI/SCADA/MES interfaces; conduct in-house technology exploration; and integrate predictive analytics for equipment health monitoring
• Participate ininitialequipment conceptual development and carefully balance product specifications, process requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead-time limits
• Lay out new industrial electrical control panels that are NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant and create electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics
• Architect, write, and debug PLC code, emphasizing generating organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable code for manufacturing applications
• Implement (ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant) control reliable safety systems for safeguarding robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment
• Select and size electrical and electromechanical components such as servo motors and controllers
• Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, pneumatic, and fluid plumbing

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering, physics, or computer science discipline
• 1+ years of experience in the design and commissioning of automation and control systems for industrial applications

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Proficiency in industrial systems, including configuring control networks (Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, BACnet, Serial Communication)
• Experience with multiple PLC systems (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, etc.)
• Experience with programming ABB mechatronic systems
• Experience with electrical schematics using ePLAN for circuits and power distribution
• Exposure to a wide variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (vision systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, Nut-Runners, etc.)
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing settings, solving complex problems using data and customized solutions. Proven results that have improved equipment reliability and reduced downtime
• Proficiency in Python and SQL, with experience applying these to analyze sensor data for equipment reliability analysis and predictive modeling
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting and fixing electro-mechanical devices, using hand tools, diagnostic tools (e.g., multimeters, vibration analyzers), and techniques for condition-based monitoring
• Proven interpersonal skills and ability to objectively resolve conflict within a large group
• Ability to work flexible hours and schedules as required, with a passion for tackling challenging engineering problems and a drive to innovate and grow in a dynamic, high-impact environment
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Experience in fast-paced iterative design and manufacturing environments
• Experience solving complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical milestones
• Must be willing to travel (up to 10%)
• 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] .

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To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITARhere.

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