Automation & Controls Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX•Redmond, WA

6h•$100,000 - $135,000•Onsite

About The Position

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 10M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe. The root of SpaceX’s success so far lies in our mission to keep all engineering and production in-house, which enables a tight feedback loop, nimble decision making, and speedy deliverables. Automation and Controls Engineers in Redmond, WA are hyper focused on developing full factory solutions that are both technically sophisticated and easy to use. As a member of this team you will lead creative, multi-disciplinary projects spanning machine design, robotics, motion systems, and factory health monitoring that all come together to form the innovative, high-rate factories that allow us to deliver internet to those that need it most.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or other STEM field
1+ year of experience with designing and commissioning of automation and controls system (internships and project work are applicable)

Nice To Haves

Excited by a quick and iterative design and manufacturing role
Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions in both design and implementation stages
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, with the ability to make plans and directional recommendations collaboratively and cross-functionally
Ability to engineer creative, new approaches to problems while adhering to ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA safety requirements to keep a factory safe
Experience with at least one of the specific disciplines listed below. The ideal candidate is interested in learning at least the fundamentals of the other areas they are not yet strong in.
Mechanical:
Machine design with focus on speed, reliability, maintainability, and safety
Motion system sizing and implementation (gantries, robotics, conveyance, motors, actuators, pneumatics/hydraulics, sensor selection and integration, etc.)
Fundamental structures hand calculations and ability to design for strength and stiffness
CAD and product lifecycle management programs to generate detailed designs and drawing packages utilizing geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, preferred Siemens NX and Teamcenter
Familiarity with manufacturing processes and how to design for manufacturability
Exposure to some variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (motion systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, injection molders, die casters, etc.)
Electrical:
Electrical sizing of motors, cables, circuit protection, VFD’s, motor starters, various other motion systems
Design of fail-safe electrical circuits using both safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays
Hands-on experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems using tools like multimeters, oscilloscopes, EMI probes
Proficiency in understanding and creating electrical schematics and single line diagrams (EPLAN preferred)
Field bus networks, serial communication, and Ethernet communication
Hands-on experience designing and commissioning high quality electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations in mind
Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL508A codes with ability to ensure compliance with control system safety standards
Industrial Software:
PLC programming, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text programming
Programming and implementing machine safety software through the use of safety PLC’s
HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), Ignition systems with focus on user friendly navigation and machine health monitoring and control
Field Bus Networking protocols, preferably EtherCAT, Profinet, Profisafe, Ethernet/IP
Robotics programming, preferably ABB
Industrial software application to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, pneumatics/hydraulics, including how to safely checkout these interdisciplinary systems prior to production implementation

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and manage automation projects - this includes initial factory ideation, machine commissioning and proof of rate capability, and eventual hand-off to operational teams
Architect, write, and debug PLC code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable for high-volume manufacturing applications
Keep our factory safe and reliable by implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment
Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens to make complex machines easy to understand, operate, and troubleshoot
Design electrical systems compliant to NEC, NFPA, & UL508A regulations
Stay organized by creating schedules and budgets, and then motivate the team to achieve them

Benefits

long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the 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
3 weeks of paid vacation
10 or more paid holidays per year
paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law
Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.