Sr. Automation & Controls Engineer (Components)

SpaceX•Hawthorne, CA

4h•$135,000 - $215,000

About The Position

SpaceX is seeking an automation and controls engineer to develop and build automated solutions for Starship production. The role is hands-on, designing and activating the hardware and software systems used in Starship production and machining equipment. The Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy booster are a reusable transportation system designed to carry crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in an engineering, physics, or computer science discipline.
At least 5 years of experience designing and commissioning automation and controls systems for industrial applications.
Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical milestones.
Must meet U.S. government export-control eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain the required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Nice To Haves

Experience with process integration and electromechanical or mechatronic systems.
Experience with robotic weld applications, including Kuka, ABB, and Fanuc.
Robot and PLC simulation experience.
Experience with National Instruments software and hardware.
Electrical schematic CAD experience using EPlan.
Experience with C#, .NET, Python, and/or SQL.
PLC programming experience, preferably Siemens TIA Portal and Beckhoff TwinCAT 3.
HMI and SCADA programming experience.
Experience with fieldbus networks, serial communication, and Ethernet communication.
Hands-on experience building and commissioning high-quality electrical control panels and electromechanical systems.
Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79, and UL 508A codes.
Exposure to varied production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment, such as vision systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, and nut-runners.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Experience in fast-paced, iterative design and manufacturing environments.
Experience solving complex problems with little to no supervision, on schedule, individually or as part of an integrated team.

Responsibilities

Participate in initial equipment conceptual development, balancing product specifications, process requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead-time limits.
Lay out industrial electrical control panels compliant with NFPA 79, NEC, and UL 508A, and create electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics.
Architect, write, and debug PLC code, emphasizing organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable code for manufacturing applications.
Develop robot systems for automated manufacturing of vehicle sub-components.
Implement control-reliable safety systems compliant with ANSI/RIA 15.06 and OSHA for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment.
Generate simple HMI screens for complex machinery that provide sufficient troubleshooting feedback.
Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, and pneumatic and fluid plumbing.
Select and size electrical and electromechanical components, including servo motors and controllers.
Deploy automated processes and equipment into production.
Set, implement, and maintain schedules and budgets to ensure project completion.

Benefits

Potential eligibility for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards and 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.
Three weeks of paid vacation may accrue.
10 or more paid holidays per year.
Paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy.
Various other discounts and perks.