Automation & Controls Engineer (Launch Hardware)

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 (LAUNCH HARDWARE)

The Automation & Controls Engineer is a multi-disciplinary position responsible for the design, operation, installation, and test of low-power electrical systems at SpaceX’s east coast launch site at Cape Canaveral Space Force base. You will work as part of a small team of elite engineers designing and improving the mechanical, electrical, and control systems at our rocket launch facility at Cape Canaveral Space Force Base. Be there on the ground floor, getting your hands dirty and contributing directly to the success of future launches.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for the ground support control and instrumentation systems that operate the fueling and operation of the launch vehicle/spacecraft to support launch day activities
• Directly involved with all Cape ground support equipment (GSE) build, checkouts, and troubleshooting
• Operate, upgrade, and maintain all data acquisition system hardware at launch and support sites
• Control and maintain network infrastructure interfaces to data acquisition systems
• Build and design junction boxes and conveyances for end instruments
• Create electrical schematics for new instrumentation
• Use electrical equipment in the field to verify the functionality of end instruments
• Maintain systems through a preventative maintenance program
• Address physical installation issues and wear/tear/corrosion of electrical components
• Write procedures to address both routine tasks as well as off-nominal troubleshooting steps
• Provide innovative solutions to special requirements and challenges faced by the team, which can range from specialized equipment to challenging installation locations and blast environments
• Perform basic electrical installation of valves, limit switches, potentiometers, etc.
• Design, build, and operate servo motor controls

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience with instrumentation power systems design and/or data acquisition systems
• 1+ years of experience with low-power systems and/or direct current (DC) circuits or filters

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Proficiency or direct hands-on experience in one or more of the following: electronics test rack design and build, data acquisition setup and field measurements, build of electronics systems or test systems for local assembly or industrial applications
• Experience in the following fields: robotics, automotive, aircraft, marine, autonomous vehicles, RF or communication systems, power plant or chemical process type industrial systems
• Experience with one or more of the following electrical test equipment: oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies
• Able to collaborate with a wide range of people and effectively work in a team
• Able to perform in a high-pressure, dynamic environment
• Able to juggle a multitude of tasks simultaneously
• Able to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
• Sound verbal and written communication skills
• Enjoys field work and getting hands dirty
• Experience working at a rocket launch facility and supporting launch campaigns
• Proficient in Python, SQL, HTML, Java, and MS Excel
• Experience with Modbus
• Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLC)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work weekends and night shifts as needed
• Must be willing to travel to other launch sites in support of operational activities and launches; travel requirement is up to 15%
• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

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.