Automation & Controls Specialist (Starship)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

AUTOMATION & CONTROLS SPECIALIST (STARSHIP)

SpaceX is committed to developing revolutionary space technology, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets. The Production Automation & Controls Specialist will support the development and construction of tooling for Starship and Super Heavy Booster, part of a fully reusable transportation system designed to launch both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

The Production Automation and Controls Specialist role is a system-focused, multi-faceted position. The specialist will be responsible for owning, installing and commissioning of new automation assets, panel builds, and drawing updates. Additionally, the Automation and Controls Specialist will be responsible for implementing long-term reliability improvements to production systems. This role provides operational support in the review and interpretation of data collected on these systems. Specialists commission and integrate physical hardware including but not limited to wire harnesses, PCBs, custom enclosures, PLCs, data acquisition systems, pneumatic systems, and sensors. The Automation and Controls Specialist’s systems support operations that enable safe, economical, and reliable access to space.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Own and hands-on execute industrial automation projects, in collaboration with Engineers, specialists, and Technicians from different groups

Develop and upgrade data acquisition and control systems

Provide technical support and guidance for controls technicians and other non-controls engineering groups

Lead technicians and/or contractors efficiently

Commission new hardware

Actively perform continuous improvements for team processes, quality, faster build times, lower maintenance needs, project kitting, streamlined communication between teams, and feedback loops

Perform daily task prioritization including risk mitigation on current and upcoming projects

Draft and redline drawings in Electrical and Fluids Schematics

Be a liaison, in design stage and during builds, between Tooling Engineering and Automation & Controls for controls hardware mounting and overall cable management

Program PLC’s and HMI’s according to engineering design

Analyze data to assess the function of electrical systems

Assist in the design and analysis of experiments to evaluate test articles

Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

1+ years of experience in a controls technician or specialist role

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Occupational trade school qualification in an instrumentation or electrical-based field

Knowledge of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety), NFPA 79 & UL508A codes

Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal

Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight

Strong work ethic and drive to succeed as part of a high-functioning team

Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment

Ability to thrive in ambiguity, independently drive project progress, and manage multiple priorities

Knowledge of high-reliability processes and related documentation practices

Experience in programming PLC and HMI

Demonstrated ability to design, implement and troubleshoot data acquisition and control hardware

Fundamental understanding of engineering principles behind electronic equipment, instrumentation, and commonly used industrial equipment

Select and size electrical and electromechanical components such as servo motors, controllers, and VFDs

Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (NFPA 70 Section 500 installations); Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 environments or IEC equivalence

General schematic capture and printed circuit board (PCB) design and/or verification and validation experience

Experience tuning PID controllers

Experience with electrical power distribution, working knowledge of NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E

Experience with connectorization standards such as IPC-620, NASA 8739.4, and D38999 specifications

First-hand experience with programming and software development

Experience with industrial bus protocols such as Modbus, Profinet and EtherNet/IP

Hands-on experience activating, building, and troubleshooting analog electronic systems

Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience.

Exposure to C/C++, Python, and JavaScript

Experience with Linux-based operating systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Available to work overtime and weekends when needed based on site operational needs; flexibility required

Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, flashing lights, heat, cold, rain, and noise

Occasional travel to other SpaceX or 3rd party facilities, up to 25%

Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings

Ability to work at elevated heights (200+ feet)

Ability to perform physical tasks such as climbing up and down stairs and/or ladders regularly throughout the day

Ability to lift light weight supplies or materials (up to 25lbs unassisted)

Stand: Up to 6 hours per day

Sit: Up to 3 hours per day

Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) 2 hours or longer per day

Overhead reach: Up to 1 hour per day

Walk: Up to 3 hours per day

Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 2 hours or longer per day

Climb (ladder/stairs): up to 3 hours per day

Kneel/Crouch: up to 3 hours per day

Upper body twist: Up to 3 hours per day

Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees: up to 3 hours per day

Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description

Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.