Automation & Controls Engineer, Infrastructure & Utility (Starship)

SpaceX•Brownsville, TX

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Join SpaceX’s Infrastructure Engineering team to design, build, operate, and maintain critical power, HVAC, utility, and fluids systems supporting Starship launch, production, propellant generation, and the city of Starbase, Texas. The role focuses on scaling high-capacity infrastructure and ensuring reliable energy and utility services for Starship operations. The position is based at Starbase, TX, with potential travel to other SpaceX facilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or another engineering discipline.
At least 1 year of experience designing, analyzing, and working on automation and control systems; internship and school project experience qualifies.
Ability to work hands-on in heat, cold, and rain, in tight quarters or at heights.
Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support launch operations.
Ability to remain focused in hazardous environments while wearing appropriate PPE.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted.
Must meet U.S. export-control eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Nice To Haves

At least 3 years of professional experience in a similar role.
Professional Engineering (PE) license or intention to pursue one.
Experience designing and developing HMI applications with Ignition.
Familiarity with SEL, Allen Bradley, and Siemens control devices.
Experience developing and deploying server/client SCADA applications.
Ability to analyze electrical one-line drawings, DC/AC schematics, and bills of materials.
Experience designing control logic schemes and network configurations.
Experience with IEC-61131 programming.
Experience with IT/OT network design and troubleshooting.
Familiarity with industrial communications protocols and networking, including Modbus, IEEE C37.115, IEEE C37.111, and DNP3.
Demonstrated initiative, creative problem-solving, and strong analytical and engineering fundamentals.
Electrical schematic CAD experience using EPlan, AutoCAD, or similar tools.
Experience with C#, .NET, Python, and/or SQL.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize, schedule, and implement solutions with minimal operational impact.

Responsibilities

Design, build, operate, and maintain automation, control, and SCADA systems for ground infrastructure and utility systems at Starbase.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, lead projects, and drive continuous improvements.
Manage control and automation upgrades to scale systems for Starship production targets.
Develop and deploy standardized automation for critical power and utility systems.
Maintain organized documentation for Starbase SCADA systems.
Design, develop, deploy, and manage ground-up automation and controls projects, including initial trades, commissioning, hand-off, and training.
Design and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications in a high-reliability production and launch environment.
Design, redline, modify, and correct electrical and pneumatic schematics using in-house and third-party tools.
Design industrial electrical control panels compliant with NFPA 79, NEC, and UL 508A.
Develop power systems controls and hardware compliant with NFPA 70, 70B, 70E, NESC, and IEEE standards, prioritizing safety and engineering excellence.
Create and update concise written and visual instructions based on design reviews, technical drawings, and requirements documentation.
Audit manufacturing processes to assess inefficiencies, safety improvements, and automation opportunities.
Develop scopes of work, negotiate and trade work, and release contractor work to support the in-house build team.
Mentor and lead engineers and technicians on automation and controls projects.
Plan, prioritize, and execute weekly tasks to meet team objectives.
Provide hands-on troubleshooting and support to technicians.
Provide 24/7 on-call support for emergencies.