Instrumentation & Controls Specialist, Water Treatment (Starlink)

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.

INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROLS SPECIALIST, WATER TREATMENT (STARLINK)

The Water Treatment team at SpaceX is looking for a highly skilled Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) Specialist to lead the automation efforts for our water infrastructure in Bastrop, TX. You will be the subject matter expert (SME) for the control systems driving our Ultra-Pure Water (UPW), Industrial Wastewater (IWW), and Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) plants.

In this role, you won’t just fix broken sensors; you will optimize the logic that runs them. You will bridge the gap between physical hardware and software engineering — troubleshooting complex PLC logic, designing HMI screens, tuning PID loops, and ensuring that our water systems operate at peak efficiency and safety to support critical production targets.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• System Automation: Modify and optimize PLC logic (Allen Bradley, Siemens) to improve system reliability and process stability
• SCADA Development: Design and deploy HMI screens and alarm management systems using Ignition, ensuring operators have clear, actionable data
• Advanced Troubleshooting: Serve as the final escalation point for complex electrical and controls failures; diagnose root causes across network protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP), VFD parameters, and instrumentation loops
• Loop Tuning: Perform precise PID loop tuning for critical process variables (flow, pressure, pH) to maintain tight tolerances in dynamic water treatment processes
• Project Execution: Lead I&C integration for new equipment installs, from panel design review and IO checkout to startup and commissioning
• Network Architecture: Manage industrial network infrastructure, ensuring robust communication between remote I/O, local control panels, and the central SCADA server
• Standards & Compliance: Ensure all control panels and field wiring meet NEC, NFPA 79, and SpaceX internal standards
• Mentorship: Provide technical guidance and training to I&C Technicians and Maintenance staff on advanced diagnostic techniques

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of professional experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or I&C maintenance
• 2+ years of experience programming or troubleshooting Allen Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix and Siemens PLCs

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechatronics, or a related technical field
• Water/Wastewater Expertise: Deep understanding of the specific control strategies required for RO trains, ion exchange, evaporators and crystallizers, filter presses, and precipitation and clarification tanks
• Ignition Certification: Experience building projects in Inductive Automation’s Ignition platform (Perspective/Vision modules)
• Hardware Knowledge: Expert-level knowledge of VFDs (PowerFlex, Danfoss), servo drives, and diverse industrial instrumentation (E+H, Rosemount, IFM)
• Panel Design: Ability to redline electrical schematics and oversee panel builds or modifications
• Data Analysis: Ability to query SQL databases to retrieve historical process data for troubleshooting

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical milestones or emergency repairs
• Due to the nature of production line bring-up, the work schedule will evolve
  • Will start as 5 AM - 5 PM (Monday - Thursday) or 5 PM - 5 AM (Monday - Thursday)
  • Final permanent schedules:
    • A-Shift: 5 AM - 5 PM (Sunday-Tuesday and every other Wednesday)
    • B-Shift: 5 AM - 5 PM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday)
    • C-Shift: 5 PM - 5 AM (Sunday-Tuesday and every other Wednesday)
    • D-Shift: 5 PM - 5 AM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday)
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Ability to distinguish between different colors of wires and indicator lights

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.