Automation & Controls Specialist (Starship)
SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP, Granite Heights, WI, United States
Overview
SpaceX is developing revolutionary space technology with the goal of enabling people to live on other planets. The Production Automation & Controls Specialist will support the development and construction of tooling for Starship and Super Heavy Booster as part of a fully reusable transportation system designed to launch crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
The Automation & Controls Specialist role is a system-focused, multi-faceted position. The specialist will own, install and commission new automation assets, panel builds, and drawing updates, and will implement long-term reliability improvements to production systems. This role provides operational support in the review and interpretation of data collected on these systems, and will commission and integrate hardware including wire harnesses, PCBs, custom enclosures, PLCs, data acquisition systems, pneumatic systems, and sensors to enable safe, economical, and reliable access to space.
Responsibilities
Own and hands-on execute industrial automation projects, in collaboration with Engineers, specialists, and Technicians from different groups
Develop and upgrade data acquisition and control systems
Provide technical support and guidance for controls technicians and other non-controls engineering groups
Lead technicians and/or contractors efficiently
Actively perform continuous improvements for team processes, quality, faster build times, lower maintenance needs, project kitting, streamlined communication between teams, and feedback loops
Perform daily task prioritization including risk mitigation on current and upcoming projects
Draft and redline drawings in Electrical and Fluids Schematics
Be a liaison between Tooling Engineering and Automation & Controls for controls hardware mounting and cable management
Program PLCs and HMIs according to engineering design
Analyze data to assess the function of electrical systems
Assist in the design and analysis of experiments to evaluate test articles
Perform other related duties to ensure an efficient and effective work environment
Basic Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalency certificate
2+ years of experience in a controls technician or specialist role
Preferred Skills and Experience
Occupational trade school qualification in an instrumentation or electrical-based field
Knowledge of NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, NFPA 79 & UL508A codes
Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal
Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
Strong work ethic and drive to succeed as part of a high-functioning team
Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities in a high-paced environment
Ability to thrive in ambiguity, independently drive progress, and manage multiple priorities
Knowledge of high-reliability processes and related documentation practices
Experience in programming PLC and HMI
Demonstrated ability to design, implement and troubleshoot data acquisition and control hardware
Fundamental understanding of engineering principles behind electronic equipment and instrumentation
Select and size electrical and electromechanical components (e.g., servo motors, controllers, VFDs)
Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (NFPA 70 Section 500), or IEC equivalents
General schematic capture and PCB design/verification experience
Experience tuning PID controllers
Experience with electrical power distribution and NFPA 70/NFPA 70E
Experience with connectorization standards such as IPC-620, NASA 8739.4, and D38999
Programming and software development experience
Experience with industrial bus protocols such as Modbus, Profinet and EtherNet/IP
Hands-on experience activating, building, and troubleshooting analog electronics
Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience
Experience with Linux-based operating systems
Additional Requirements
Ability to perform duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting, and working in cramped positions
Ability to work at elevated heights (200+ feet)
Ability to perform physical tasks such as climbing stairs and ladders regularly
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
Willingness to work overtime and weekends when needed; flexibility required
Work in environments with fumes, odors, flashing lights, heat, cold, rain, and noise
Occasional travel to other SpaceX or 3rd party facilities, up to 25%
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or other legally protected status.
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SpaceX is developing revolutionary space technology with the goal of enabling people to live on other planets. The Production Automation & Controls Specialist will support the development and construction of tooling for Starship and Super Heavy Booster as part of a fully reusable transportation system designed to launch crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
The Automation & Controls Specialist role is a system-focused, multi-faceted position. The specialist will own, install and commission new automation assets, panel builds, and drawing updates, and will implement long-term reliability improvements to production systems. This role provides operational support in the review and interpretation of data collected on these systems, and will commission and integrate hardware including wire harnesses, PCBs, custom enclosures, PLCs, data acquisition systems, pneumatic systems, and sensors to enable safe, economical, and reliable access to space.
Responsibilities
Own and hands-on execute industrial automation projects, in collaboration with Engineers, specialists, and Technicians from different groups
Develop and upgrade data acquisition and control systems
Provide technical support and guidance for controls technicians and other non-controls engineering groups
Lead technicians and/or contractors efficiently
Actively perform continuous improvements for team processes, quality, faster build times, lower maintenance needs, project kitting, streamlined communication between teams, and feedback loops
Perform daily task prioritization including risk mitigation on current and upcoming projects
Draft and redline drawings in Electrical and Fluids Schematics
Be a liaison between Tooling Engineering and Automation & Controls for controls hardware mounting and cable management
Program PLCs and HMIs according to engineering design
Analyze data to assess the function of electrical systems
Assist in the design and analysis of experiments to evaluate test articles
Perform other related duties to ensure an efficient and effective work environment
Basic Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalency certificate
2+ years of experience in a controls technician or specialist role
Preferred Skills and Experience
Occupational trade school qualification in an instrumentation or electrical-based field
Knowledge of NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, NFPA 79 & UL508A codes
Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal
Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
Strong work ethic and drive to succeed as part of a high-functioning team
Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities in a high-paced environment
Ability to thrive in ambiguity, independently drive progress, and manage multiple priorities
Knowledge of high-reliability processes and related documentation practices
Experience in programming PLC and HMI
Demonstrated ability to design, implement and troubleshoot data acquisition and control hardware
Fundamental understanding of engineering principles behind electronic equipment and instrumentation
Select and size electrical and electromechanical components (e.g., servo motors, controllers, VFDs)
Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (NFPA 70 Section 500), or IEC equivalents
General schematic capture and PCB design/verification experience
Experience tuning PID controllers
Experience with electrical power distribution and NFPA 70/NFPA 70E
Experience with connectorization standards such as IPC-620, NASA 8739.4, and D38999
Programming and software development experience
Experience with industrial bus protocols such as Modbus, Profinet and EtherNet/IP
Hands-on experience activating, building, and troubleshooting analog electronics
Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience
Experience with Linux-based operating systems
Additional Requirements
Ability to perform duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting, and working in cramped positions
Ability to work at elevated heights (200+ feet)
Ability to perform physical tasks such as climbing stairs and ladders regularly
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
Willingness to work overtime and weekends when needed; flexibility required
Work in environments with fumes, odors, flashing lights, heat, cold, rain, and noise
Occasional travel to other SpaceX or 3rd party facilities, up to 25%
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or other legally protected status.
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