Sr. Automation & Controls Engineer (Asset Engineering)

SpaceX • Hawthorne, CA

13h • $135,000 - $215,000

About The Position

SpaceX’s Asset Engineering team develops factory machines, tooling, and systems needed to manufacture advanced hardware. Its interdisciplinary mechanical, automation, and fluids engineering teams solve manufacturing challenges and own solutions from design concept through high-rate production ramps.

The Sr. Automation & Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and integrating automated machinery used to manufacture and test Starship and Starshield hardware. The role works with engineers and technicians to help the Hawthorne factory reach its full capability, with particular ownership of electrical and software design for automated manufacturing and test systems.

Applicants must meet U.S. export-control eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain the required U.S. Department of State authorizations. SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodation for applicants who need it during the application or interview process.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, computer science, or another engineering discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience in industrial or factory automation design and implementation.
• At least 5 years of experience designing and building electro-mechanical, robotic, or automated system products.
• Must satisfy the stated U.S. Government export-control eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations.
• Must be available to work extended hours and some weekends.
• Physical effort includes standing, lifting, and carrying equipment up to 30 pounds unassisted.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions at both the design and implementation stages.
• Strong experience developing software to automate electro-mechanical systems.
• Experience designing, programming, and commissioning industrial robotic systems such as Kuka, ABB, or Fanuc.
• Experience with PLC programming in SCL using Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 or Siemens TIA Portal.
• Experience with Python, C#, C++, or similar high-level programming languages.
• Experience developing machine-vision systems for inspection applications.
• Strong electrical knowledge and experience troubleshooting electrical systems using tools such as multimeters and oscilloscopes.
• Experience configuring and debugging networks and fieldbus systems.
• Experience with motion-system sizing and implementation, including gantries, robotics, conveyance, motors, actuators, pneumatics or hydraulics, and sensor selection and integration.
• Familiarity with industry standards such as IEC, NFPA, and NEC.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex in-house automated manufacturing and test systems from concept to production, owning electrical and software design.
• Design and develop motion-control and robotic systems for manufacturing and testing needs.
• Write and maintain concise, well-documented machine automation software.
• Develop simple user interfaces and HMIs that make machines easy to understand, operate, and troubleshoot.
• Design electrical and pneumatic systems for manufacturing environments.
• Manage the build, integration, testing, and validation of electrical and fluidic systems.
• Architect and implement integration of manufacturing machinery into SCADA and MES systems.
• Provide expert support for existing automation systems and work with partner teams to correct root causes.

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.
• Accrual of 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• Paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy, which satisfies or exceeds applicable legal accrual, carryover, and use requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior