Electrical Engineer - Instrumentation & Controls

SpaceX; McGregor (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in McGregor, Texas, is seeking an Electrical Engineer (Instrumentation & Controls) to design, implement, and support test stands, avionics, and control systems. You will transfer data from sensors to operators and customers, ensuring safe, economical, and reliable spaceflight test operations.

The role emphasizes automation, hardware development, data interpretation, and collaboration with controls technicians and other engineering groups in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, computer engineering or other engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience working with data acquisition systems (professional work, internships, clubs, or other engineering activities qualify).

Responsibilities

• Maintain the operational capability of all control voltage level (<60V) electrical systems
• Develop and upgrade data acquisition and control systems
• Create new automation systems pertaining to avionics and engine testing
• Provide technical support and guidance for controls technicians and other non-controls engineering groups
• Develop new hardware and processes to improve capabilities, reduce cost, and setup time of electrical systems
• Analyze data to assess the function and health of electrical systems
• Assist in the design and analysis of experiments to evaluate test articles

Skills

Data acquisition

Team leadership

Instrumentation

PCB design

Control systems

Electrical safety

Education

Bachelor’s degree in EE/physics/related

Tools

PLC hardware

Data acquisition hardware

PCB design tools

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.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER (INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROLS)

This engineer is a systems-focused, automation-driven, multi-faceted individual. The engineer uses electrical and mechanical systems knowledge to inform the design of test stands, support facilities, avionics, and control systems. SpaceX control engineers develop and integrate physical hardware, including wire harnesses, PCBs, custom enclosures, PLCs, data acquisition systems, avionics systems, engine controllers, and various sensors. The engineer is responsible for transferring real-time data from these physical sensors and actuators to the stand operator, the responsible engineer, or the customer. Test articles include in-space systems, vehicles, avionics systems, and ground systems. Excellent operational support and accurate interpretation of data collected from these test systems are paramount. These critical automation & control systems support operations that enable safe, economical, and reliable access to space.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain the operational capability of all control voltage level (<60V) electrical systems
• Develop and upgrade data acquisition and control systems
• Create new automation systems pertaining to avionics and engine testing
• Provide technical support and guidance for controls technicians and other non-controls engineering groups
• Develop new hardware and processes to improve capabilities, reduce cost, and setup time of electrical systems
• Analyze data to assess the function and health of electrical systems
• Assist in the design and analysis of experiments to evaluate test articles

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, computer engineering or other engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience working with data acquisition systems (professional work, internships, clubs, or other engineering activities qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• 2+ years of experience leading a team or project
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
• Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and drive to succeed as part of a high functioning team
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity, independently drive project progress, and manage multiple priorities
• Knowledge of high-reliability processes and related documentation practices
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement and troubleshoot data acquisition and control hardware
• Fundamental understanding of engineering principles behind electronic equipment, instrumentation, and commonly used industrial equipment
• Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (NFPA 70 Section 500 installations); class 1, division 1 and division 2 environments or IEC equivalence
• Familiarity with mixed signal electronics, power supply design, analog filtering; testing and troubleshooting techniques, signal integrity, layout and grounding principles
• General schematic capture and printed circuit board (PCB) design and/or verification and validation experience
• Experience with electrical power distribution, working knowledge of