Manufacturing Automation Engineer, Solar (Starlink)

SpaceX•Redmond, WA

3d•$100,000 - $165,000

About The Position

As a member of the Starlink Solar Automation Team, the Manufacturing Automation Engineer works with a cross-disciplinary team to develop the next generation Starlink solar array and the production system used to manufacture it. The role covers automation and controls work from initial concept through implementation in production, including machine design, robotics, manufacturing processes, safety, and factory performance systems.

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.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience in at least one industrial automation discipline 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.
Experience with fieldbus networking protocols such as EtherCAT, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, or 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, die casting, and design for manufacturing.
Experience applying statistical process control and other data tools, including descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, regression, and correlation, to improve manufacturing processes.
PLC programming experience, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text, state machines, and object-oriented programming applied to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, and pneumatics/hydraulics.
Robotics programming experience, preferably ABB Rapid.
Experience with HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), SQL, C#, .NET, or Python.
Industrial machine vision experience; Cognex Vision Pro preferred, with Halcon and OpenCV also 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 using tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and EMI probes.
Proficiency in understanding and creating electrical schematics and single-line diagrams; EPLAN preferred.
Knowledge of analog signal integrity and EMI reduction.
Hands-on experience designing and commissioning 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.
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.

Responsibilities

Design, build, qualify, and implement projects spanning machine design, robotics, and manufacturing processes, from initial ideation to production use.
Architect, write, and debug PLC code.
Implement vision systems for robotic guidance, quality control, and data collection.
Design systems to control processes, track factory performance, and collaborate across teams to improve manufacturing efficiency using data.
Design user interfaces that make complex machines easy to use and troubleshoot.
Create electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics for control panels.
Implement ANSI/RIA 15.06- and OSHA-compliant systems to support factory safety.
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.
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
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.
Potential accrual of 3 weeks of paid vacation.
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.