Automation & Controls Engineer (Starlink Production)

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 (STARLINK PRODUCTION)

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system.

As a member of this team you will lead creative, multi-disciplinary projects spanning machine design, robotics, motion systems, and factory health monitoring that all come together to form the innovative, high-rate factories that allow us to deliver internet to those that need it most.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, develop, and manage automation projects - this includes initial factory ideation, machine commissioning, and proof of rate capability, and eventual hand-off to operational teams
• Architect, write, and debug PLC code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable for high-volume manufacturing applications
• Keep our factory safe and reliable by implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment
• Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens to make complex machines easy to understand, operate, and troubleshoot
• Design electrical systems compliant to NEC, NFPA, & UL508A regulations
• Stay organized by creating schedules and budgets, and then motivate the team to achieve them

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering, physics, or computer science discipline
• 1+ years of experience in one or a combination of the following:
  • Professional or internship experience in industrial or factory automation design and implementation
  • Involvement with a project team designing and building electro-mechanical/robotic/automated systems or products beyond classroom assignments

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Ability to engineer creative, new approaches to problems while adhering to ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA safety requirements to keep a factory safe
• Experience with Electromechanical systems
• Electrical sizing of motors, cables, circuit protection, VFD’s, motor starters, various other motion systems
• Design of fail-safe electrical circuits using both safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems using tools like multimeters, oscilloscopes, EMI probes
• Proficiency in understanding and creating electrical schematics and single line diagrams (EPLAN preferred)
• Field bus networks, serial communication, and Ethernet communication
• Hands-on experience designing and commissioning high quality electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations in mind
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL508A codes with ability to ensure compliance with control system safety standards
• PLC programming, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text programming
• Programming and implementing machine safety software through the use of safety PLC’s
• HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), Ignition systems with focus on user friendly navigation and machine health monitoring and control
• Field Bus Networking protocols, preferably EtherCAT, Profinet, Profisafe, Ethernet/IP
• Robotics programming, preferably ABB
• Industrial software application to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, pneumatics/hydraulics, including how to safely checkout these interdisciplinary systems prior to production implementation

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Automation & Controls Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00/year

Automation & Controls Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00/year