Automation & Controls Specialist

SpaceX • Starbase, TX, TX

4d

About The Position

The Automation & Controls Specialist role is system-focused and multifaceted, supporting Starship launches, design and qualification testing, and propellant generation. The specialist installs and commissions automation assets, builds panels, updates drawings, and develops and commissions data acquisition and control systems. The role involves developing and integrating hardware such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), wire harnesses, printed circuit boards (PCBs), custom enclosures, motor drive controls, and sensors. These systems support safe, economical, and reliable access to space.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• At least 4 years of professional experience working with electrical or data acquisition systems.
• At least 2 years of experience designing electrical, mechanical, or control systems; experience from a university or trade school qualifies.
• Must be available for overtime and weekends as the schedule varies with site operational needs; flexibility is required.
• Must be capable of safely working at heights up to 500 feet, in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job.
• Must meet U.S. export-control eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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 written and verbal communication skills.
• 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 and responsibilities 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), including Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 environments or IEC equivalents.
• General schematic capture and PCB design and/or verification and validation experience.
• Experience tuning PID controllers.
• Experience with electrical power distribution and 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 hardware and processes that improve ground support electrical systems’ capabilities, cost, and setup time.
• Develop electrical schematics for system builds and commissioning.
• Develop software configurations required for control system capabilities.
• Provide technical support and guidance to 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