Automation & Controls Engineer, DCS (Starship)

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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 & CONTROLS ENGINEER, DCS (STARSHIP)

SpaceX's Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket (collectively referred to as Starship) represent a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond. Starship will be the world's most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, with the ability to carry in excess of 100 metric tons to Earth orbit.

The Starship Data and Control Systems (DCS) Engineer role is a systems focused, multi-faceted position. The ideal engineer uses broad systems knowledge to inform the design of launch ground systems, support facilities, and test systems. The engineer is responsible for the systems that link operators to physical sensors and actuators on both ground systems as well as in-space test articles. This role provides operational support in the review and interpretation of data collected on these systems. SpaceX control engineers develop and integrate physical hardware including but not limited to wire harnesses, PCBs, custom enclosures, PLCs, data acquisition systems, and sensors. The DCS engineer’s systems support operations that enable safe, economical, and reliable access to space.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Maintain the operational capability of all control voltage level electrical systems
  • Develop and upgrade data acquisition and control systems
  • Provide technical support and guidance for controls technicians and other non-controls engineering groups
  • Lead multiple shifts of technicians and/or contractors efficiently
  • Develop new hardware and processes to improve capabilities, cost, and setup time of non-vehicle electrical systems
  • Work with the software team in evolving non-flight ground and test system vehicle software
  • Analyze data to assess the function of electrical systems
  • Assist in the design and analysis of experiments to evaluate test articles
  • Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
  • 2+ years of experience working with data acquisition systems (internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • 5+ years of experience working with data acquisition systems
  • 1+ years of experience designing, implementing and/or troubleshooting data acquisition and control hardware
  • Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment
  • Ability to thrive in ambiguity, independently drive project progress, and manage multiple priorities
  • Knowledge of high-reliability processes and related documentation practices
  • Fundamental understanding of engineering principles behind electronic equipment, instrumentation, and commonly used industrial equipment
  • Select and size electrical and electromechanical components such as servo motors, controllers, and VFDs
  • Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (NFPA 70 Section 500 installations); Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 environments or IEC equivalence
  • Strong knowledge of and experience in mixed signal electronics, power supply design, analog filtering; testing and troubleshooting techniques, signal integrity, quantization, discretization, use of operational amplifiers, and layout and grounding principles
  • General schematic capture and printed circuit board (PCB) design and/or verification and validation experience
  • Experience with linear time invariant systems and frequency analysis
  • Experience tuning PID controllers
  • Experience with electrical power distribution, working knowledge of NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E
  • Experience with standards such as IPC-620, NASA 8739.4, and D38999 specifications.
  • First-hand experience with programming and software development
  • Experience with industrial bus protocols such as Modbus, Profinet and EtherNet/IP
  • Design C++ software interfaces towards a Profinet-based controller or NI DAQ-mx based controller
  • Hands-on experience activating, building, and troubleshooting analog electronic systems
  • Process integration and electromechanical / mechatronic systems experience.
  • Experience working with National Instruments cRIOs and cDAQs
  • Expert level C/C++, exposure to Python and JavaScript
  • Experience implementing a communication protocol by crafting data packets
  • Experience with Linux-based operating systems
  • Experience with networking tools such as Wireshark and tcpdump
  • Experience with VLANS, 802.1q trunking, and Link Aggregation
  • Experience working with ICD, or interface control documents

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
  • Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings
  • Ability to work at elevated heights (200+ feet)
  • Ability to perform physical tasks such as climbing up and down stairs and/or ladders regularly throughout the day
  • Ability to lift light weight supplies or materials (up to 25lbs unassisted)
  • Available to work extended hours and weekends when needed based on site operational needs; flexibility required
  • Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, flashing lights, heat, cold, rain, and noise
  • Travel to other SpaceX or 3rd party facilities, up to 70%

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.