Controls Engineer

AST SpaceMobile; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile is seeking an Electrical/Controls Engineer to design and develop control systems for automated equipment and processes on our manufacturing floor. You will program, test, and commission PLCs and HMIs, integrate SCADA interfaces, and support FAT/SAT, startup, and validation activities.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's in a related field, strong PLC/HMI experience, and solid skills reading schematics and debugging automation systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical/mechanical/controls engineering or related field.
• Experience programming PLCs and HMIs.
• Ability to read and create electrical schematics and technical drawings.
• Experience troubleshooting electrical and automation systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Safety awareness and adaptability.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop control systems for automated equipment and processes.
• Program, test, and commission PLCs and HMIs.
• Develop SCADA interfaces and integrate industrial networks.
• Support FAT/SAT, startup, commissioning, and validation of automated systems.
• Diagnose issues and implement process improvements for reliability.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Electrical control systems

Industrial automation

Schematics & drawings

Analytical skills

Teamwork & communication

Safety awareness

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

Beckhoff

Schneider Electric

SCADA

Job description

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.

Key Responsibilities

System Design & Development

• Design and develop control systems for automated equipment, machinery, and industrial processes.
• Create electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and system documentation.
• Develop control architecture utilizing PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, motion controllers, and industrial networks.
• Specify and select control system hardware, sensors, actuators, drives, and instrumentation.

Programming & Integration

• Program, test, and commission PLCs using platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, or Schneider Electric.
• Develop and maintain HMI and SCADA interfaces.
• Integrate robotic systems, servo drives, vision systems, and industrial communication protocols.
• Configure and troubleshoot Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, DeviceNet, and other industrial networks.

Testing & Commissioning

• Perform factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT).
• Support startup, commissioning, and validation of automated systems.
• Develop test plans and verification procedures.
• Troubleshoot system issues during installation and operation.

Maintenance & Continuous Improvement

• Diagnose and resolve control system failures and automation-related issues.
• Implement process improvements to increase system reliability, efficiency, and throughput.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance initiatives.
• Maintain control system backups, software revisions, and technical documentation.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards and regulations.
• Participate in risk assessments and machine safety reviews.
• Design and implement safety interlocks, emergency stop circuits, and safeguarding systems.
• Support regulatory and quality audits as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field.
• Experience programming PLCs and HMIs.
• Strong understanding of electrical control systems and industrial automation.
• Ability to read and create electrical schematics and technical drawings.
• Experience troubleshooting electrical and automation systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Safety Awareness
• Adaptability

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing floor
• Must wear PPE while working in a manufacturing environment
• Must be able to travel on occasion (10%) to include working in at different site(s) as business needs arise
• Occasional support during equipment installations, commissioning activities, and production outages.
• Ability to work around industrial equipment and machinery while following all safety requirements.
• Must lift up to 50 lbs. while testing or inspecting materials as needed

This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands

AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment 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.