Sr. Automation and Controls Engineer, Consumer Hardware (Starlink)

印慣敘; Town of Texas, Bastrop (WI, TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative industry leader is on the lookout for a Sr. Automation and Controls Engineer to join their dynamic team. This role focuses on developing cutting-edge factory solutions for consumer electronics, contributing to the deployment of a revolutionary broadband internet system. You will lead multidisciplinary projects, ensuring the integration of advanced automation technologies into high-rate factories. If you are passionate about engineering and eager to work in a fast-paced environment, this opportunity offers the chance to make a significant impact on global connectivity.

Benefits

Health Insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Time Off

Flexible Work Hours

Employee Discounts

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of automation experience in manufacturing.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or computer science required.
• Experience with PLC programming and machine design preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage automation projects from design to handover.
• Architect and debug PLC code for manufacturing.
• Design electrical systems adhering to safety standards.

Skills

Automation Engineering

PLC Programming

Machine Design

Electrical Circuit Design

Robotics Programming

HMI Development

Safety Standards Compliance

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Physics

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

Tools

Siemens NX

Teamcenter

EPLAN

Beckhoff TwinCAT

Multimeters

Oscilloscopes

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity explores the stars is more exciting than one where we do not. Today, SpaceX is actively developing technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SR. AUTOMATION AND CONTROLS ENGINEER, CONSUMER HARDWARE (STARLINK)

At SpaceX, we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the largest satellite constellation, providing fast, reliable internet to over 4 million users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system—thousands of satellites, consumer receivers, and the software that integrates everything. We are seeking top-tier engineers to help maximize Starlink's global impact.

Our success relies heavily on our commitment to keeping engineering and production in-house, enabling rapid feedback, agile decision-making, and swift delivery. Automation and Controls Engineers at our Hawthorne and Austin facilities focus on developing factory solutions for consumer electronics, emphasizing technical sophistication and user-friendliness. As part of this team, you'll lead multidisciplinary projects involving machine design, robotics, motion systems, and factory health monitoring, all contributing to high-rate factories that deliver internet to those in need.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Design, develop, and manage automation projects, including factory ideation, machine commissioning, proof of rate, and handover to operations.
2. Architect, write, and debug PLC code, ensuring it is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable for high-volume manufacturing.
3. Maintain factory safety and reliability by implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems for various manufacturing equipment.
4. Create simple, effective HMI screens for complex machines to facilitate operation and troubleshooting.
5. Design electrical systems adhering to NEC, NFPA, and UL508A standards.
6. Create schedules and budgets, and motivate teams to meet project goals.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or computer science.
• At least 5 years of professional automation experience in manufacturing and production environments.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Enthusiasm for rapid, iterative design and manufacturing roles.
• Ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions during design and implementation.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with collaborative and cross-functional planning abilities.
• Capability to develop innovative approaches while maintaining ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA safety standards.

Experience in at least one of the following disciplines is preferred, with interest in learning others:

Mechanical:

• Machine design focusing on speed, reliability, maintainability, and safety.
• Motion system sizing and implementation.
• Structural calculations and design for strength and stiffness.
• CAD and PLM experience, preferably with Siemens NX and Teamcenter.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability.
• Exposure to production machinery and industrial sensors.

Electrical:

• Electrical sizing for motors, cables, and protection devices.
• Design of fail-safe electrical circuits.
• Troubleshooting electrical systems with tools like multimeters and oscilloscopes.
• Creating electrical schematics, preferably with EPLAN.
• Knowledge of field bus networks and Ethernet communication.
• Experience designing and commissioning electrical panels.
• Understanding of NEC, NFPA, UL508A codes.

Industrial Software:

• PLC programming, preferably with Beckhoff TwinCAT.
• Machine safety software and safety PLC implementation.
• HMI, SCADA, IoT systems, and machine health monitoring.
• Field bus protocols, preferably EtherCAT, Profinet, Profisafe, Ethernet/IP.
• Robotics programming, preferably ABB.
• Interdisciplinary system checkout prior to production.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicants must meet U.S. government export regulations, including citizenship or specific immigration status.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. For accommodations or more information, contact [e-mail].