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 of enabling human life on Mars.

AUTOMATION AND CONTROLS ENGINEER, FACTORY AUTOMATION (STARLINK)

The Starlink satellite hardware test team develops automated testing solutions for the most cutting-edge satellite communication systems in the world. We are looking for an innovative and experienced automation and controls engineer to drive complex automated manufacturing and testing problems to resolution. As a controls engineer on the hardware test team, you will design and deploy production automation assets that quickly and thoroughly validate that each piece of hardware on our satellites will survive and withstand launch and function in orbit. Our engineers are endlessly curious, love to learn and try out new things, and work collaboratively across disciplines in a dynamic environment with changing needs as we strive to deliver high-impact technology on a global scale.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, develop and commission automated processes and production cells
• Collaborate with all design and manufacturing teams on the Starlink project to ensure products are designed for automation
• Design sensor systems to monitor processes, ensure operator safety, and track factory status and performance
• Create electrical, pneumatic and fluid schematics for control panels
• Architect, write, and debug structured, scalable, reusable PLC code
• Develop and tune closed-loop control systems
• Train and integrate robotic systems
• Design user interfaces that make complex machines easy to control and troubleshoot

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience in design and/or commissioning of automation, robotic cells, factory floor layouts, controls systems, or complex system architecture, especially within automotive or aerospace industries

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Strong desire and ability to learn quickly, adapt and innovate
• Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience
• PLC programming experience (Beckhoff preferred)
• HMI and SCADA programming experience
• Experience with ePlan, Teamcenter, AutoCAD, Altium or other drafting software
• Experience with robotics, motion control, object-oriented programming (OOP), state machines, image processing, data engineering, vision inspection, various sensors, and/or internet of things (IoT)
• Field bus networks, serial communication and Ethernet communication
• Hands on experience building and commissioning high quality electrical control panels and electro-mechanical systems
• Exposure to a wide variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (vision systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, nut-runners, etc.)
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be available to work extended hours as needed

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or 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 Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.