AUTOMATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER (LAUNCH PADS)

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Responsible for the ground support control and instrumentation systems that operate the fueling and operation of the launch vehicle/spacecraft to support launch day activities
• Directly involved with all Cape ground support equipment (GSE) builds, checkouts, and troubleshooting
• Operate, upgrade, and maintain all data acquisition system hardware at the Falcon launch and support sites
• Control and maintain network infrastructure interfaces to data acquisition systems
• Build and design junction boxes and conveyances for end instruments
• Create electrical schematics for new instrumentation
• Use electrical equipment in the field to verify the functionality of end instruments
• Maintain systems through a preventive maintenance program
• Address physical installation issues and wear/tear/corrosion of electrical components
• Write procedures to address both routine tasks as well as off-nominal troubleshooting steps
• Provide innovative solutions to special requirements and challenges faced by the team, which can range from specialized equipment to challenging installation locations and blast environments
• Perform basic electrical installation of valves, limit switches, potentiometers, etc.
• Design, build, and operate servo motor controls

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience with instrumentation power systems design and/or data acquisition systems
• 1+ years of experience with low-power systems and/or direct current (DC) circuits or filters

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Proficiency or direct hands-on experience in one or more of the following: electronics test rack design and build, data acquisition setup and field measurements, build of electronics systems or test systems for local assembly or industrial applications
• Experience in the following fields: robotics, automotive, aircraft, marine, autonomous vehicles, RF or communication systems, power plant or chemical process type industrial systems
• Experience with one or more of the following electrical test equipment: oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies
• Able to collaborate with a wide range of people and effectively work in a team
• Able to perform in a high-pressure, dynamic environment
• Able to juggle a multitude of tasks simultaneously
• Able to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
• Sound verbal and written communication skills
• Enjoys field work and getting hands dirty
• Experience working at a rocket launch facility and supporting launch campaigns
• Proficient in Python, SQL, HTML, Java, and MS Excel
• Experience with Modbus
• Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLC)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work weekends and night shifts as needed
• Must be willing to travel to other launch sites in support of operational activities and launches; travel requirement is up to 15%
• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position