Build Specialist, Automation & Controls (Starship Launch Pad)

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.

BUILD SPECIALIST, AUTOMATION & CONTROLS (STARSHIP LAUNCH PAD)

The Starship Tower & Launch Mount team is looking for controls build specialists to help make the next generation of launch pads a reality. This role will be focused on bridging the gap between detailed design and activations – that is, developing planning for installing conveyances and pulling cables, building up a healthy supply chain of commonly used parts, assisting in the field as needed, and feeding back lessons learned from the build to the design team. The systems the group is developing are intended to interface with the next generation of Starship vehicles, catch both stages, and enable a rapid and automated flight cadence requiring no manual actions between launches.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Create work instructions for integration of electrical and controls systems as well as their related secondary structures

Identify and escalate tricky designs that lead to manufacturing difficulties, and propose solutions for improving the process

Provide production support: rapidly disposition issue tickets, work with engineers to define requirements and standard repairs

Troubleshoot electrical and controls systems

Select, modify, and maintain equipment needed to perform tests and fabrication projects

Onboard new machinery or equipment to increase the efficiency of builds

Document build processes

Pursue initiatives to streamline the process of going from a design to completed hardware in the field including the areas of supply chain, planning generation, communication with technicians, test plans, tooling, checkouts, and data review

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

2+ years of experience in mechanical, fluid, or electrical disciplines

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Proficiency in writing and interpreting planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches

Ability to install and use instrumentation including strain gages, pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, RTDs, accelerometers, and analog circuitry

Ability to fabricate and repair cable harnesses including: soldering, crimping, assembling connectors

Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills

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

Ability to solve complex problems with minimal supervision on tight schedules

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

Ability to work at elevated heights up to 500 feet

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.