Automation & Controls Specialist, Assembly Manufacturing (Starlink)

SpaceX•Bastrop, TX

About The Position

SpaceX is developing Starlink, a low-latency broadband internet system enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites. The Automation & Controls Specialist, Assembly Manufacturing, is responsible for building, installing, and commissioning automation assets, panel builds, and electromechanical controls systems. The role also assists equipment maintenance with troubleshooting complex controls issues on existing critical assets, focusing on durable repairs that improve the reliability of production systems rather than quick fixes. The position requires availability for one or more specified 12-hour shifts and willingness to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed. The specialist must be able to obtain forklift certification and meet the listed lifting and physical activity requirements. The role is subject to U.S. export-control eligibility requirements under ITAR.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency certificate and at least 2 years of experience in a manufacturing and production environment, or a bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline.
At least 2 years of experience working with mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic systems.
Must be available for one or more listed shifts and willing and able to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed.
Must be able to obtain forklift certification.
Must be able to lift 25 pounds unassisted.
Must be able to perform lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying.
Must meet ITAR eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, qualifying refugee or asylee, or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline.
Hands-on fault-finding and mechanical-system troubleshooting skills, with strong problem resolution ability.
Strong interpersonal skills and motivation; able to work as part of a team and independently when necessary.
Strong problem-solving, communication, creative, organizational, and documentation skills.
Working knowledge of NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, NFPA 79, and UL 508A.
PLC and HMI programming experience or familiarity with Ladder Logic and Structured Text.
Mechanical equipment design and build experience.
Experience designing, building, and wiring electrical control panels.
Experience creating or updating electrical schematics.
Strong skills in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Detail-oriented, organized, and able to demonstrate a high sense of urgency.
Ability to read and interpret electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics and drawings.
Analytical skills, including gathering and analyzing information to understand complex situations and solve problems.
Ability to maintain a safe and clean work environment while adhering to company policies, quality policies, and industry standards.

Responsibilities

Create, redline, modify, and correct electrical and pneumatic schematics for automated equipment using EPLAN Electrical/Fluid and Visio.
Wire, commission, and validate electromechanical and pneumatic control systems.
Build control panels to NFPA 79 and UL 508A standards.
Design and commission basic PLC and HMI software applications.
Interpret and develop logic for Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens TIA, and Allen-Bradley RSLogix.
Troubleshoot and modify PLC and HMI software.
Specify and procure components, sensors, and hardware needed to implement controls solutions.
Develop new production assets and improve designs for existing assets.
Develop project management skills to drive efficient project completion.
Promote 5S principles and maintain efficient, presentable team workspaces.
Read, understand, and use system-level mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics.
Support production devices, including HMIs, VMs, thin clients, and IoT devices.
Assist equipment maintenance in troubleshooting complex controls issues and implementing long-term repairs that improve production-system reliability.