Sr. Automation Engineer, Blades and Vanes Foundry

SpaceX; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. Automation Engineer for its Blades and Vanes Foundry to design and maintain core control systems. You will integrate electromechanical systems with investment casting equipment and develop scalable data and HMI/SCADA interfaces for real-time optimization.

The role requires a bachelor's degree and 5+ years in industrial automation, with strong Python/SQL and PLC experience. Expect extended hours, on-site work, and travel as needed in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or computer science.
• 5+ years of experience designing and commissioning automation and controls systems for industrial applications.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL; experience analyzing sensor data for reliability.
• Experience with PLC systems (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, etc.).
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Integrate electromechanical and mechatronic systems with critical investment casting equipment, including wax injectors and furnaces.
• Design and develop manufacturing data systems from concept to production, analyzing KPI trends and reliability.
• Implement data collection/storage using Python/SQL to interface with MES and production databases.
• Create and optimize HMI/SCADA/MES interfaces and integrate predictive analytics for health monitoring.
• Lay out new industrial electrical control panels and create electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics.
• Architect, write, and debug PLC code with maintainable structure.
• Implement safety systems for safeguarding robots, gantries, conveyors, and equipment.
• Select and size electrical and electromechanical components such as servo motors.
• Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, pneumatic and fluid plumbing.

Skills

Python & SQL

PLC programming

Data analytics

Manufacturing experience

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Physics/CS

Tools

ePLAN

Ethernet/IP

PROFINET

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

SR. AUTOMATION ENGINEER, BLADES AND VANES FOUNDRY

Power generation poses one of the key challenges that could slow the worldwide adoption of AI. 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, andmaintaincore control systems at thecutting edgeof 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 and reliability
• Implement solutions for data collection/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 ininitialequipment 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 NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant and create electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics
• Architect, write, and debug PLC code, emphasizing generating organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable code for manufacturing applications
• Implement (ANSI/RIA15.06/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

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering, physics, or computer science discipline
• 5+years experiencein 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 communication skills, both written and verbal
• Experience in fast-paced iterative design and manufacturing environments
• Experience solving complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member 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%)

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. * 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. * 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

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 Aff… or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out [e-mail].