Automation & Controls Engineer (Starlink Optical Products)

SpaceX•Redmond, WA

3d•$100,000 - $165,000

About The Position

As a member of the Starlink Optical Payloads Integration & Test team, the Automation & Controls Engineer works on automating production lines for optical payloads, including inter-satellite lasers, optical transceivers, and star trackers. The role helps develop high-volume manufacturing capabilities for Starlink optical payloads, from initial project ideation through production use. This includes machine design, robotics, manufacturing processes, automation and controls, vision systems, factory performance systems, and user interfaces. The position also involves implementing safe, compliant factory systems.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or another STEM discipline.
At least 1 year of experience designing and commissioning automation and control systems in a manufacturing environment; internships and project work are applicable.
Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed.

Nice To Haves

Ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions and little supervision.
Comfort with a fast-paced environment, and a strong desire and ability to learn quickly and adapt.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Hands-on experience in at least one relevant discipline and interest in learning other areas.
Experience with industrial automation hardware such as PLCs, COTS robots, servo motion, machine vision, distributed I/O, and pneumatic controls.
Experience with fieldbus networking protocols such as EtherCAT, PROFINET, Ethernet/IP, and Modbus TCP/RTU.
Experience with machinery and processes such as dispensing, pick and place, fastener installation, automated bonding, thermo-compression, soldering, ultrasonic welding, temperature and position control, injection molding, die casting, and design for manufacturing.
Experience with applied statistical process control and data tools, including descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, regression, and correlation, to improve manufacturing processes.
Experience safely testing and commissioning integrated systems.
PLC programming experience, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text; experience with state machines and applying object-oriented programming to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, pneumatics, or hydraulics.
Robotics programming experience, preferably ABB Rapid.
Experience with HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), SQL, C#, .NET, or Python.
Industrial machine vision experience; Cognex Vision Pro preferred, with Halcon and OpenCV acceptable.
Experience sizing motors, cables, circuit protection, VFDs, motor starters, and other motion systems.
Experience designing fail-safe electrical circuits using safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays.
Hands-on experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems using tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and EMI probes.
Ability to understand and create electrical schematics and single-line diagrams; EPLAN preferred.
Knowledge of analog signal integrity and EMI reduction.
Hands-on experience designing and commissioning high-quality electrical panels and electromechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations.
Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, and UL508A codes and ability to ensure compliance with control-system safety standards.

Responsibilities

Design, build, qualify, and implement projects involving machine design, robotics, and manufacturing processes from initial ideation through production use.
Architect, write, and debug PLC code.
Implement vision systems for robotic guidance, quality control, and data collection.
Design systems to control processes, track factory performance, and collaborate across teams to improve manufacturing efficiency using data.
Design user interfaces that make complex machines easy to use and troubleshoot.
Create electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics for control panels.
Implement ANSI/RIA 15.06- and OSHA-compliant systems to keep factories safe.

Benefits

Potential eligibility for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards.
Potential discretionary bonuses.
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
Access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Various other discounts and perks.
May accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation.
Eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
Washington State employees accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law.
Company shuttles for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office, Monday through Friday.