Automation & Controls Engineer (Optical Products)

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.

AUTOMATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER (OPTICAL PRODUCTS)

The Starlink space lasers team develops automated manufacturing and testing solutions for the most cutting-edge satellite communication systems in the world. We are looking for an innovative and experienced automation and controls engineer to drive complex automated manufacturing and testing problems to resolution. On the space lasers test team, you will design and deploy production automation assets to both manufacture and test optical payloads for satellites. Our engineers are endlessly curious, love to learn and try out new things, and work collaboratively across disciplines in a dynamic environment with changing needs as we strive to deliver high-impact technology on a global scale.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, develop and commission automated processes and production cells in high volume manufacturing environments Own development of factory automation software which controls process flow, monitors factory health and minimizes factory downtime
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams on the space lasers team to ensure products are designed for automated production and reliability
• Keep our factory safe and reliable by implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment
• Design sensor systems to monitor processes, ensure operator safety, and track factory status and performance
• Interface with vendor hardware software to integrate them into the factory workflow
• Design user interfaces that make complex machines easy to control and troubleshoot

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, or computer science or related STEM field
• 1+ years of experience in design and/or commissioning of automation, robotic cells, factory floor layouts, controls systems, or complex system architecture, especially within micro-electronics, automotive or aerospace industries
• Programming experience in any of the following: C/C++/Python/Ladder Logic or Structured Text

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with SECS/GEM protocols
• Experience with micro-electronics assembly machinery and processes
• PLC programming experience
• Experience with robotics, motion control, object-oriented programming (OOP), state machines, image processing, data engineering, vision inspection, various sensors, and/or internet of things (IoT)
• Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience
• Field bus networks, serial communication and Ethernet communication
• Exposure to a wide variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (vision systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, nut-runners, etc.)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong desire and ability to learn quickly, adapt and innovate

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Automation & Controls Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year Automation & Controls Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.