Sr. Automation Engineer, Blades and Vanes Foundry

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer in Bastrop, Texas seeks a Sr. Automation Engineer to develop and maintain core control systems for investment casting. This role involves integrating complex manufacturing systems, analyzing data to enhance production, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field and at least 5 years of experience in automation and controls systems design. Proficiency in PLC programming and data analysis using Python and SQL is essential. Competitive salary and opportunities for further development are provided.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in design and commissioning of automation systems.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting electro-mechanical devices.
• Proficiency in writing structured, maintainable PLC code.

Responsibilities

• Integrate mechatronic systems with manufacturing equipment.
• Design and develop manufacturing data systems for quality inspection.
• Implement data collection solutions using Python/SQL.

Skills

Industrial systems configuration

PLC programming

Python

SQL

Electrical schematics

Problem-solving

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or computer science

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

ePLAN

Diagnostic tools

Job description

Sr. Automation Engineer, Blades and Vanes Foundry

Bastrop, TX

SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

Position Overview

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
• Implement solutions for data collection and 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 in initial equipment 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 NFPA 79/NEC/UL 508A compliant and create electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics
• Architect, write, and debug PLC code, emphasizing organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable code for manufacturing applications
• Implement ANSI/RIA 15.06/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

Bachelor's Degree Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or computer science
• 5+ years of experience in the design and commissioning of automation and controls 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 written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in fast‑paced iterative design and manufacturing environments
• Experience solving complex problems with little to no supervision, both independently and as part 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%)
• U.S. Government export regulations: applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State

Equal Opportunity Employment

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 Affinitive Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].