Automation & Controls Engineer, Assembly Manufacturing (Starlink)

SpaceX • Bastrop, TX

3d

About The Position

SpaceX is seeking an Automation & Controls Engineer for Starlink assembly manufacturing. The role leads multidisciplinary automation projects involving machine design, robotics, motion systems, and factory health monitoring to support innovative, high-rate factories. Responsibilities span initial factory ideation, machine commissioning, verification of production-rate capability, and handoff to operational teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering, physics, or computer science discipline.
• At least 1 year of experience in industrial or factory automation design and implementation, or involvement with a project team designing and building electromechanical, robotic, or automated systems or products beyond classroom assignments.
• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.
• Must meet the stated U.S. Government export regulation eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to develop creative approaches to problems while adhering to ANSI/RIA 15.06 and OSHA safety requirements.
• Experience with electromechanical systems.
• 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.
• Proficiency reading and creating electrical schematics and single-line diagrams; EPLAN is preferred.
• Knowledge of fieldbus networks, serial communication, and Ethernet communication.
• 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; Beckhoff TwinCAT structured-text programming is preferred.
• Experience programming and implementing machine-safety software using safety PLCs.
• Experience with HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), and Ignition systems, especially user-friendly navigation and machine health monitoring and control.
• Knowledge of fieldbus networking protocols; EtherCAT, Profinet, Profisafe, and Ethernet/IP are preferred.
• Robotics programming experience; ABB is preferred.
• Knowledge of applying industrial software to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, and pneumatic or hydraulic systems, including safely checking out interdisciplinary systems before production implementation.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and manage automation projects from initial factory ideation through machine commissioning, proof of rate capability, and handoff to operational teams.
• Architect, write, and debug organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable PLC code for high-volume manufacturing.
• Implement systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment that comply with ANSI/RIA 15.06 and OSHA requirements.
• Create simple, understandable HMI screens that help users operate and troubleshoot complex machines.
• Design electrical systems compliant with NEC, NFPA, and UL 508A regulations.
• Create schedules and budgets and motivate the team to meet them.

What This Job Offers

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