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 (STARSHIP OFFSHORE DEVELOPMENT)

As SpaceX continues to expand the frontier of spacecraft and rocket reusability, our primary goals include the improvement of the operational efficiency of existing marine systems, as well as the design and development of new marine based systems to support future recovery efforts.  To support these goals, SpaceX is seeking an automation and controls engineer to support the maintenance and operational readiness of the current fleet of rocket and spacecraft recovery vessels, as well as the development of marine recovery systems for the Starship program.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the design, development, operation, and maintenance of systems supporting the recovery of rockets and spacecraft in a marine environment
• Design, operate, install, and manage low power electrical systems on existing and new SpaceX marine assets that support the recovery of F9, Dragon, and Starship
• Complete systems performance analysis of new and existing SpaceX systems in support of new systems design and development, and to implement design improvements to existing hardware that improves performance and maintainability
• Prepare technical models, drawings and specifications for the construction, operation, maintenance and repair of SpaceX marine recovery assets
• Interface with local land-based and maritime regulatory entities: NASA, Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) in support of the commissioning of new hardware and ongoing SpaceX recovery operations
• Support the maintenance and repair of marine systems for existing SpaceX assets in a timely manner to ensure mission readiness and meet the demands of a rapid launch cadence
• Work to improve the reliability and recycle efficiency to reliably meet a 3-day recycle window. This includes writing and implementing preventative maintenance procedures and routines, automating departure readiness checkouts, and developing and implementing design improvements
• Support offshore development testing, and mission operations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or computer science
• 2+ years of experience building, maintaining, modifying, and/or operating automation and controls systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 2+ years of hands-on experience building, maintaining, modifying, and operating electrical control and instrumentation systems and electro-mechanical systems
• 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. (e.g. robotics, automotive, aircraft, marine, autonomous vehicles, RF or communication systems, power plant or chemical process type industrial systems)
• Professional experience creating electrical system schematics, preparing technical drawing packages, and developing technical specifications.
• Experience designing, building, and commissioning data acquisition and control systems
• Professional experience with industrial control systems (PLCs, motor drives)
• Professional experience with PLC programming (e.g. Siemens TIA Portal & Beckhoff TwinCat 3).
• Proficient in industrial networking and protocols
• Proficient in python, SQL, html, java, MS Excel
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be available for all shifts, extended hours, and/or weekends as needed
• Must be able to lift up to 25lbs unassisted
• Must be able to work outdoors and in maritime environments
• Must be able to support offshore operations, and travel to other sites as needed
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral

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.