Automation & Controls Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

SpaceX • Bastrop, TX

7d

About The Position

SpaceX is hiring an Automation & Controls Engineer for its Starlink Solar Cell Factory. The Solar Cell team is scaling production of high-efficiency solar cells for Starlink constellations, launch vehicles, and other space applications. The engineer will design, build, and optimize controls and automation systems for solar cell manufacturing equipment and material movement mechanisms. The role includes ownership and optimization of existing systems as well as development of new equipment, with an emphasis on safe electrical design, robust control code, and efficient factory operations.

The position spans automation projects from factory ideation and machine commissioning through proof of rate capability and hand-off to operational teams. The engineer will develop PLC code, implement compliant safety systems, create HMI screens, integrate equipment with SCADA and MES systems, and design electrical systems to applicable codes. The role also involves coordinating schedules and budgets and supporting critical project milestones.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a chemical discipline.
• At least 1 year of experience with high-speed manufacturing, controls and automation, and/or programming; internship and extracurricular experience is applicable.
• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations, in order to conform to U.S. Government export regulations.

Nice To Haves

• Enthusiasm for a quick and iterative design and manufacturing role.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions during design and implementation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to make plans and directional recommendations collaboratively across functions.
• Ability to develop creative approaches while adhering to ANSI/RIA 15.06 and OSHA safety requirements.
• Hazardous-process expertise in aerospace, oil and gas, or chemical industries involving high-pressure or hazardous fluid or gas systems.
• Experience in at least one electrical/industrial controls or industrial software discipline, with interest in learning the fundamentals of other areas.
• Experience with electrical sizing for motors, valves, pneumatics, 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.
• Proficiency in understanding and creating electrical schematics and single-line diagrams; EPLAN is preferred.
• Knowledge of fieldbus networks, serial communication, Profinet, and Ethernet communications.
• Hands-on experience designing and commissioning electrical panels and electromechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations.
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, and UL 508A codes and ability to ensure compliance with control-system safety standards.
• PLC programming experience, preferably Siemens TIA Portal or Beckhoff TwinCAT using structured text and ladder logic.
• Experience with HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), and Ignition systems, focused on user-friendly navigation, machine health monitoring, and control.
• Knowledge of fieldbus networking protocols, preferably EtherCAT, Profinet, Profisafe, and Ethernet/IP.
• Robotics programming experience, preferably ABB.
• Experience applying industrial software to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, and pneumatic or hydraulic systems, including safe checkout before production implementation.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and manage automation projects from initial factory ideation through machine commissioning, proof of rate capability, and hand-off to operational teams.
• Architect, write, and debug organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable PLC code for high-volume manufacturing applications.
• Implement ANSI/RIA 15.06- and OSHA-compliant safety systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment.
• Generate simple, user-friendly HMI screens that help operators understand, operate, and troubleshoot complex machines.
• Integrate individual equipment pieces into master SCADA and MES systems.
• Design electrical systems compliant with NEC, NFPA, and UL 508A regulations.
• Create schedules and budgets, stay organized, and motivate the team to achieve project goals.
• Support critical milestones by working long hours and weekends as necessary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level