Senior Automation & Controls Engineer for Space Launch

SpaceX; Starbase (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is hiring an Automation & Controls Specialist to design, install, and commission advanced electrical and data acquisition systems for Starship testing. The role involves building and updating panels, wiring, and control software, while leading shifts of technicians and contractors.

Ideal candidates bring 4+ years in electrical or data systems, 2+ years in control system design, and familiarity with NFPA codes, PLCs, PID tuning, Linux, and NI cRIO/cDAQ platforms.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of professional experience with electrical or data acquisition systems.
• 2+ years designing electrical, mechanical, or control systems; university or trade school counts.
• Knowledge of NFPA 70 / 70E / 79 and UL508A codes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and upgrade electrical systems for ground support data acquisition and control.
• Develop new hardware and processes to improve capabilities, cost, and setup time.
• Develop electrical schematics for system build and commissioning.
• Develop software configurations required for control system capabilities.
• Provide technical support and guidance for controls technicians and groups.
• Lead shifts of technicians and/or contractors efficiently.
• Analyze data to assess the function of electrical systems.
• Assist in design and analysis of experiments to evaluate test articles.

Skills

Electrical systems design

Data acquisition systems

Controls hardware troubleshooting

Project leadership

Written and verbal communication

Ability to work under pressure

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Trade school qualification in instrumentation or electrical

Tools

PLC programming

PCB design / schematic capture

NI cRIOs & cDAQs

PID controller tuning

Linux-based systems

Modbus / Profinet / EtherNet/IP

IPC-620 / NASA 8739.4 / D38999

Job description

SpaceX is hiring an Automation & Controls Specialist to design, install, and commission advanced electrical and data acquisition systems for Starship testing. The role involves building and updating panels, wiring, and control software, while leading shifts of technicians and contractors.

Ideal candidates bring 4+ years in electrical or data systems, 2+ years in control system design, and familiarity with NFPA codes, PLCs, PID tuning, Linux, and NI cRIO/cDAQ platforms.