Manufacturing Automation Engineer, Solar (Starlink)

SpaceX•Redmond, WA

About The Position

As a member of SpaceX’s Starlink Solar Automation Team, the Manufacturing Automation Engineer will work with a cross-disciplinary team developing the next-generation Starlink solar array and its production system. The role spans designing, building, qualifying, and implementing manufacturing automation projects from initial ideation through production use, including machine design, robotics, controls, and manufacturing processes. The position involves developing and debugging PLC code, implementing machine-vision systems, creating systems to control processes and track factory performance, and designing user interfaces for operating and troubleshooting machines. The engineer will also develop electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics and implement systems that meet applicable machinery safety requirements. Applicants must meet SpaceX’s stated U.S. export-control eligibility requirements. The role may require extended hours or weekends to meet mission-critical deadlines.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering, or another STEM field.
At least 1 year of experience designing and commissioning automation and controls systems for manufacturing; internships and co-ops may count.
Willingness to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to meet mission-critical deadlines.
Must meet the stated U.S. Government export-control eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations.
Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions and little supervision.
Excitement about a fast-paced environment and a strong desire and ability to learn quickly and adapt.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience in at least one of the listed industrial automation disciplines and interest in learning other areas.
Experience with automation hardware such as PLCs, commercial robots, servo motion, machine vision, distributed I/O, and pneumatic controls.
Familiarity with fieldbus protocols such as EtherCAT, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, and Modbus TCP/RTU.
Experience with manufacturing machinery and processes such as dispensing, pick and place, fastener installation, automated bonding, thermo-compression, soldering, ultrasonic welding, temperature and position control, injection molding, or die casting, as well as design for manufacturing.
Experience applying Statistical Process Control and other data tools, including descriptive and inferential statistics, regression, and correlation, to improve manufacturing processes.
PLC programming experience, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text and state machines; experience applying object-oriented programming to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, and pneumatics or hydraulics.
Robotics programming experience, preferably ABB Rapid.
Experience with HMI, SCADA, IoT protocols such as MQTT and OPC-UA, SQL, C#, .NET, or Python.
Industrial machine-vision experience; Cognex Vision Pro preferred, with Halcon or OpenCV acceptable.
Experience sizing motors, cables, circuit protection, VFDs, motor starters, and other motion systems.
Experience designing fail-safe electrical circuits using safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays.
Hands-on experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems with tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and EMI probes.
Proficiency in reading and creating electrical schematics and single-line diagrams; EPLAN preferred.
Knowledge of analog signal integrity and EMI reduction.
Hands-on experience designing and commissioning high-quality electrical panels and electromechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations.
Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, and UL 508A codes and ability to ensure compliance with control-system safety standards.

Responsibilities

Design, build, qualify, and implement projects involving machine design, robotics, and manufacturing processes from ideation through production use.
Architect, write, and debug PLC code.
Implement vision systems for robotic guidance, quality control, and data collection.
Design systems to control processes and track factory performance, and collaborate across teams to improve manufacturing efficiency using data.
Design user interfaces that make complex machines easier to use and troubleshoot.
Create electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics for control panels.
Implement safety systems compliant with ANSI/RIA 15.06 and OSHA requirements.
Safely test and commission integrated systems.

Benefits

Potential eligibility for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards.
Potential discretionary bonuses.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount.
Comprehensive medical coverage.
Vision coverage.
Dental coverage.
401(k) retirement plan.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Various other discounts and perks.
Accrual of 3 weeks of paid vacation may be available.
Eligibility for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
Washington State paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law for employees in Washington State.
Company shuttles for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.