Automation & Controls Engineer, Launch Pad (Starship)

SpaceX • Starbase, TX, TX

5h • Onsite

About The Position

SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket, collectively known as Starship, is a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We are looking for an automation & controls engineer to develop and build launch and test systems for Starship, focusing on electrical control systems for the launch mount, integration tower, and orbital propellant farm, including input/output (I/O), motion systems, drive controls, and supporting infrastructure. The successful candidate will join a highly talented team of engineers with a proven track record of developing advanced automated solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience in the design and commissioning of control systems for industrial applications (internship experience qualifies)

Nice To Haves

• Electrical schematic CAD experience using EPLAN
• Mechanical design experience with CAD, such as Siemens NX or SolidWorks
• Field bus networks, serial communication, and Ethernet communication
• Hands-on experience building and commissioning high-quality electrical control panels and electro-mechanical systems
• Knowledge of NEC, UL 508A codes
• Experience in fast-paced iterative design and test environments
• Experience solving complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team
• Strong work ethic and drive to succeed as part of a high-functioning team
• 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
• Fundamental understanding of engineering principles behind electronic equipment, instrumentation, and commonly used industrial equipment
• Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (National Fire Protection Association 70 (NFPA 70) Section 500 installations); Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 environments or International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) equivalence
• Experience with electrical power distribution, working knowledge of NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E
• Experience with industrial bus protocols such as Modbus, Profinet, and EtherNet/IP

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, integrate, and commission control systems for the Starship launch pads
• Design industrial electrical control panels that are National Fire Protection Association 79 (NFPA 79)/National Electrical Code (NEC)/Underwriters Laboratories 508A (UL 508A) compliant
• Design control and data acquisition systems
• Design and author electrical schematics
• Design electrical conveyance and distribution systems (e.g., raceways, cables, wiring methods)
• Work closely with other disciplines; interface control systems with high-power equipment and communication equipment
• Design electrical systems for hazardous environments
• Architect, write, and debug programmable logic controller (PLC) code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable for similar applications
• Configure, commission, and tune variable frequency drives (VFDs) for open- and closed-loop control system applications
• Generate aesthetically simple human-machine interface (HMI) screens for complex machinery while providing sufficient feedback for troubleshooting
• Commission devices using a variety of industrial communication protocols
• Set up and tune proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers for continuous processes
• Add detail for electrical assemblies to computer-aided design (CAD) models to plan out installation for cable tray, conduit, panel mounting, etc.
• Design systems that are robust to the mechanical stresses of Starship launch
• Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and carefully balance product specifications, requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead-time limits
• Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, and conveyance installs
• Set, implement, and maintain schedules and budgets to ensure project completion
• Document control system built for handoff to pad operators

Benefits

• Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
• Must be willing to travel for extended periods, up to 100% during system activation
• Ability to travel to other SpaceX or third-party facilities (up to 20%)
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg

What This Job Offers

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