Starship Automation & Controls Engineer

SpaceX; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an Automation & Controls Specialist (Starship) to design, implement, and commission electrical and control systems for launch operations. The role emphasizes hands-on integration, testing, and robust PLC programming within a high‑pressure launch environment.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in electrical controls, PLCs (Siemens TIA Portal preferred), and experience with industrial communication protocols.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• 3+ years in a controls technician, controls specialist, or engineering role.
• Willingness to travel up to 15% and work weekends/nights as needed.
• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral.
• Experience with manufacturing planning and wiring systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide innovative solutions to integration challenges and equipment packaging.
• Execute integration and activation testing of new equipment.
• Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, pneumatic and fluid plumbing.
• Author detailed manufacturing planning work orders.
• Troubleshoot ground support equipment tooling on-site.
• Write robust procedures to activate technicians for building and commissioning control systems.
• Lay out NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant electrical panels and schematics.
• Contribute to design and development of control systems for launch.
• Architect and debug PLC code with maintainable, structured approach.

Skills

Electrical control systems

PLC programming

Electrical schematics

C/C++

Python

JavaScript

Troubleshooting

Project collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Trade school qualification in instrumentation or electrical

Tools

EPlan

Siemens TIA Portal

Modbus

Profinet

EtherNet/IP

Job description

SpaceX is seeking an Automation & Controls Specialist (Starship) to design, implement, and commission electrical and control systems for launch operations. The role emphasizes hands-on integration, testing, and robust PLC programming within a high‑pressure launch environment.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in electrical controls, PLCs (Siemens TIA Portal preferred), and experience with industrial communication protocols.