Automation & Controls Specialist, Starship Launch and Test

SpaceX

1d

About The Position

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. AUTOMATION & CONTROLS SPECIALIST, STARSHIP LAUNCH AND TEST SpaceX is committed to developing revolutionary space technology, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets. The automation and controls specialist will support the development of SpaceX's Starship launch and test infrastructure and contribute to a fully reusable transportation system designed to launch both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The launch and test automation and controls specialist role is a system-focused, multi-faceted position. The specialist will be responsible for installation and commissioning of new automation assets, panel builds, and drawing updates. This specialist will be responsible for building and commissioning the data acquisition and control system necessary for Starship launches, Starship design and qualification testing, and Starship propellant generation. The specialist develops and integrates physical hardware including but not limited to programmable logic controllers (PLCs), wire harnesses, printed circuit boards (PCBs), custom enclosures, motor drive controls, and sensors. The automation and controls specialist’s systems support operations that enable safe, economical, and reliable access to space.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 4+ years of professional experience working with electrical or data acquisition systems
• 2+ years of experience designing electrical, mechanical, or control systems (experience from a university or trade school qualifies)

Nice To Haves

• Occupational trade school qualification in an instrumentation or electrical-based field
• Knowledge of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety), NFPA 79, and UL508A codes
• Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
• Strong work ethic and drive to succeed as part of a high-functioning team
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a fast-paced, challenging work environment
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity, independently drive project progress, and manage multiple priorities
• Knowledge of high-reliability processes and related documentation practices
• 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
• Ability to select and size electrical and electromechanical components such as servo motors, controllers, and variable frequency drives (VFDs)
• Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (NFPA 70 Section 500 installations); Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 environments or IEC equivalence
• General schematic capture and PCB design and/or verification and validation experience
• Experience tuning PID controllers
• Experience with electrical power distribution; working knowledge of NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E
• Experience with connectorization standards such as IPC-620, NASA 8739.4, and D38999 specifications
• Hands-on 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 electronic systems
• Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience
• Experience working with National Instruments cRIOs and cDAQs
• Exposure to C/C++, Python, and JavaScript
• Experience with Linux-based operating systems

Responsibilities

• Develop and upgrade electrical systems for ground support data acquisition and control
• Develop new hardware and processes to improve capabilities, cost, and setup time of ground support electrical systems
• Develop electrical schematics for system build and commissioning
• Develop software configurations required for control system capabilities
• Provide technical support and guidance for controls technicians and other non-controls engineering groups
• Lead shifts of technicians and/or contractors efficiently
• Analyze data to assess the function of electrical systems
• Assist in the design and analysis of experiments to evaluate test articles
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, to support SpaceX’s goal of a multi-planetary civilization

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees