Sr. Process Controls Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

SpaceX • Bastrop, TX

3d

About The Position

The Sr. Process Controls Engineer will design, build, and optimize controls and automation systems for the delivery of critical gases and chemicals in SpaceX’s solar cell factory. The role supports high-volume manufacturing of high-efficiency solar cells for Starlink constellations, launch vehicles, and other space applications. It focuses on safe handling of hazardous materials and reliable control code and instrumentation for processes such as vacuum deposition and etching, while reducing risks and maximizing efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or a chemical discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience with fluids/systems manufacturing, controls and automation, and/or programming.
• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones.
• Must meet applicable U.S. Government export-control requirements: be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations.

Nice To Haves

• Enthusiasm for a quick and iterative design and manufacturing role.
• Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions during design and implementation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to make plans and directional recommendations collaboratively and cross-functionally.
• Ability to develop creative approaches while adhering to ANSI/RIA 15.06 and OSHA safety requirements.
• Hazardous-process expertise in aerospace, oil and gas, or chemical industries involving high-pressure or hazardous fluid or gas systems.
• Experience in at least one of the listed electrical/industrial controls or industrial software disciplines, with interest in learning the fundamentals of other areas.
• Electrical/industrial controls experience: electrical sizing of motors, valves, pneumatics, cables, circuit protection, VFDs, motor starters, or 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.
• Ability to understand and create electrical schematics and single-line diagrams; EPLAN is preferred.
• Experience with field bus networks, serial communication, Profinet, and Ethernet communications.
• Hands-on experience designing and commissioning electrical panels and electromechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations.
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, and UL508A codes and control-system safety standards.
• Industrial software experience: PLC programming, preferably Siemens TIA Portal structured text and ladder.
• Experience with HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), and Ignition systems, with an emphasis on user-friendly navigation and machine-health monitoring and control.
• Experience with field bus networking protocols, preferably EtherCAT, Profinet, Profisafe, or Ethernet/IP.
• Robotics programming experience, preferably ABB.
• Experience applying industrial software to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, and pneumatic/hydraulic systems, including safely checking out interdisciplinary systems before production implementation.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain automation systems, including PLC programming and SCADA development, for gas farm operations and wastewater treatment processes.
• Develop and program PLC control logic, PID loops, and interlocks for centralized control of distributed subsystems, supporting real-time monitoring of pressure, temperature, flow, pH, and effluent quality.
• Select, calibrate, and integrate field instrumentation in hazardous environments, ensuring compatibility with applicable safety standards and regulations.
• Lead commissioning, FAT/SAT testing, and troubleshooting of control systems; conduct root-cause analysis to minimize downtime and support 24/7 operations with rapid alarm response.
• Design electrical systems compliant with NEC, NFPA, and UL508A regulations.

What This Job Offers

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