Automation & Controls Technician

SpaceX•Brownsville, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Join the Starbase infrastructure team at SpaceX to build, install, operate, and maintain instrumentation and controls for critical power, HVAC, utility, and fluids systems supporting launch, production, supercomputer, and power-generation projects. The technician installs and troubleshoots sensors, valves, wiring, and control systems, working from field devices through PLC and SCADA systems. The position is based at Starbase, Texas, with potential travel to other SpaceX facilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
At least 1 year of hands-on experience installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining instrumentation, automation, or controls systems.
At least 1 year using mechanical and/or electronic hand tools, including work from schematics on piping, valves, sensors, or control wiring.
Ability to perform hands-on work in heat, cold, and rain, in tight quarters or at heights.
Ability to remain focused in hazardous environments while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.
Eligibility to meet U.S. Government export regulations: U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.
Demonstrated initiative, creative problem-solving, and strong hands-on troubleshooting skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills to prioritize, schedule, and implement solutions with minimal operational impact.
Ability to work independently or in teams in dynamic, high-stress environments with tight deadlines.

Nice To Haves

At least 3 years in industrial instrumentation, automation, controls, or fluid systems.
Experience maintaining and troubleshooting complex fluid and mechanical systems.
Experience with pneumatic or hydraulic system fabrication.
Experience with orbital or structural welding.
Professional experience with calibrated measuring instruments.
Experience using heavy equipment, including overhead cranes, forklifts, and manlifts.
Relevant certifications, such as ISA CCST, NICET, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, or Siemens.
Experience designing or developing HMI applications with Ignition.
Familiarity with SEL, Allen-Bradley, and Siemens control-device suites.
Experience deploying and troubleshooting server/client SCADA applications.
Ability to read and interpret electrical one-line drawings, DC/AC schematics, and bills of materials.
Experience implementing control logic schemes such as ladder logic and basic network configurations.
Experience with IEC-61131 programming, including ladder logic and structured text.
Experience with IT/OT network troubleshooting.
Familiarity with industrial communications protocols such as Modbus, IEEE C37.115, IEEE C37.111, and DNP3.
Experience with electrical schematic CAD tools such as EPLAN and AutoCAD.
Experience with C#, .NET, Python, and/or SQL for scripting and automation tasks.

Responsibilities

Install, configure, operate, and maintain instrumentation, automation, control, and SCADA systems for infrastructure, utility, and fluid systems.
Fabricate and install fluid-system components from schematics and drawings, including stainless and aluminum piping, ball and check valves, pressure regulators, sensors, and gauges.
Connect, verify, calibrate, and troubleshoot pressure transducers, thermocouples, and other sensors, and complete wiring of electrical ground support equipment.
Configure and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications in a high-reliability production and launch environment.
Update, redline, and troubleshoot electrical and pneumatic schematics using EPLAN, Schematics, or similar tools.
Assemble and wire industrial control panels to NFPA 79, NEC, and UL 508A standards, and install power-system controls in line with NFPA 70, 70B, 70E, NESC, and IEEE standards.
Perform high-pressure liquid and pneumatic testing, and repair urgent issues found during activation or production use.
Support controls upgrades, commissioning, testing, hand-off, and training as systems scale.
Read and interpret drawings, data sheets, bills of materials, and engineering sketches, and keep SCADA and as-built documentation current.
Give engineers practical feedback on system operation and maintenance.
Write short work instructions from drawings and requirements.
Support statements of work and contractor work so the in-house team can keep pace.
Train junior technicians on instrumentation and controls tasks.
Plan and complete weekly work with minimal impact to operating systems.
Provide 24/7 on-call support for emergencies.
Work extended hours and weekends as needed to support launch operations.