Automation & Controls Engineer (Starship Launch Pad)

SpaceX • Cape Canaveral, FL

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About The Position

The Automation & Controls Engineer is a systems-focused, automation-driven engineer who applies electrical and mechanical systems knowledge to the design of launch infrastructure for the Starship launch vehicle. The role involves developing and integrating physical hardware such as wire harnesses, PCBs, custom enclosures, PLCs, data acquisition systems, avionics systems, engine controllers, and sensors. The engineer ensures real-time data from physical sensors is delivered to pad operators, responsible engineers, or customers, and provides operational support and accurate interpretation of test-system data. These automation and control systems support safe, economical, and reliable access to space.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a technical discipline.
• At least 1 year of experience designing and commissioning automation and controls systems for industrial applications.
• Ability to pass an Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral.
• Ability to perform duties involving standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, and working in cramped positions and small openings.
• Ability to regularly climb stairs and/or ladders throughout the day.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds unassisted for 1 to 2 hours per day.
• Ability to travel to other SpaceX or third-party facilities up to 25%.
• Must meet applicable U.S. export-control eligibility requirements, including qualifying U.S. citizenship or immigration status, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot data acquisition and control hardware.
• 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, including NFPA 70 Section 500 installations, Class I Division 1 and Division 2 environments, or IEC equivalents.
• Familiarity with mixed-signal electronics, power supply design, analog filtering, testing and troubleshooting techniques, signal integrity, and layout and grounding principles.
• General schematic capture and PCB design experience and/or verification and validation experience.
• Experience with electrical power distribution and working knowledge of NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E.
• First-hand experience with programming and software development.
• Experience with industrial bus protocols such as Modbus, Profinet, and EtherNet/IP.
• Hands-on experience activating, building, and troubleshooting analog and digital electronic systems, including avionics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and drive to succeed as part of a high-functioning team.
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity, independently drive project progress, and manage multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of high-reliability processes and related documentation practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and build controls infrastructure for ground support equipment used to test and launch the Starship Launch Vehicle.
• Maintain the operational capability of activated electrical systems at control voltage levels below 60V.
• Develop and upgrade data acquisition and control systems across launch infrastructure.
• Create automation systems to support evolving launch and test infrastructure needs.
• Provide technical support and guidance to controls technicians and other engineering groups.
• Develop hardware and processes to improve capabilities and reduce the cost and setup time of electrical systems.
• Analyze data to assess the function and health of electrical systems.
• Assist in designing and analyzing experiments to evaluate test articles.

What This Job Offers

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