Automation & Controls Engineer, Launch Pad (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 ENGINEER, LAUNCH PAD (STARSHIP)

SpaceX's Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket (collectively referred to as Starship) represent a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond. Starship will be the world's most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, with the ability to carry in excess of 100 metric tons to Earth orbit.

We are looking for an automation & controls engineer to help SpaceX develop and build launch systems for Starship. This role will be focused on electrical control systems for the launch mount and integration tower, including I/O systems, motion systems, and supporting infrastructure.

The successful applicant will be joining, and be supported, by a highly talented team of engineers with an amazing track record in developing any type of automated solution imaginable.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Electrical systems:

• Architect, design and integrate control systems for the Starship Launch pads
• Design industrial electrical control panels which are NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant
• Design control and data acquisition systems
• Design and author electrical schematics
• Design electrical conveyance and distribution systems (e.g. raceways, cables, wiring methods)
• Work closely with other disciplines. Interface control systems with high power equipment and communication equipment.
• Design electrical systems for hazardous environments

Control software:

• Architect, write, and debug PLC code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable and reusable for similar applications
• Configure, commission and tune VFDs for open and closed loop control system applications
• Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens for complex machinery while providing sufficient feedback for troubleshooting

M_echanical integration:_

• Add detail for electrical assemblies to CAD models to plan out install for cable tray, conduit, panel mounting, etc.

General responsibilities:

• Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and carefully balance product specifications, process requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead-time limits
• Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, and conveyance installs
• Set, implement, and maintain schedules and budgets to ensure project completion

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics
• 1+ years of experience in the design and commissioning of control systems for industrial applications (internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with Industrial and process automation & control systems.
• Experience architecting, designing, and integrating various industrial control systems.
• Electrical schematic CAD experience using EPlan
• Mechanical design experience with CAD such as Siemens NX or SolidWorks
• PLC programming experience
• HMI and SCADA programming experience
• Field bus networks, serial communication and Ethernet communication
• Hands-on experience building and commissioning high quality electrical control panels and electro-mechanical systems
• Knowledge of NEC, UL508A codes
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Experience in fast-paced iterative design and test environments
• Experience solving complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team
• 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
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement and troubleshoot control systems
• 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
• Experience tuning PID controllers
• Experience with electrical power distribution, working knowledge of NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E
• First-hand experience with programming and software development
• Experience with industrial bus protocols such as Modbus, Profinet and EtherNet/IP

 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
• Must be willing to travel for extended periods, up to 100% during system activation
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg

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.