SpaceX

Builds rockets and runs Starlink satellite internet

Senior Automation and Controls Engineer - Infrastructure & Utility, Starship

Controls & Automation EngineeringConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeBrownsville, TX, USANo salary listed

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or another engineering discipline.
At least 5 years of experience designing, analyzing, and working on automation and control systems; internship and school-project experience qualifies.
Be able to perform hands-on work in heat, cold, and rain, in tight quarters or at heights.
Work extended hours and weekends as needed to support launch operations.
Remain focused in hazardous environments while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
Lift up to 25 pounds unassisted.
Provide 24/7 on-call support for emergencies.
Hold a valid driver’s license.
Meet U.S. Government export-control eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Responsibilities

Design, build, operate, and maintain automation, control, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for ground infrastructure and utility systems at Starbase, Texas.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, lead projects, and drive continuous improvements at Starbase.
Manage control and automation upgrades to scale systems for Starship production-rate targets.
Develop and deploy standardized automation for critical power and utility systems.
Maintain organized documentation for Starbase SCADA systems.
Design, develop, deploy, and manage ground-up automation and controls projects, including initial trades, commissioning, handoff, and training.
Design and commission programmable logic controller (PLC), human-machine interface (HMI), and SCADA applications in a high-reliability production and launch environment.
Design, redline, modify, and correct electrical and pneumatic schematics using in-house and third-party tools such as EPLAN and Schematics.
Design industrial electrical control panels compliant with NFPA 79, the National Electrical Code (NEC), and UL 508A.
Develop power-systems controls and hardware compliant with NFPA 70, 70B, 70E, the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), and IEEE standards, prioritizing safety and engineering excellence.
Create and update concise written and visual instructions based on design reviews, technical drawings, and requirements documentation.
Audit manufacturing processes to assess inefficiencies, safety improvements, and automation opportunities.
Develop statements of work, bargain, trade, and release contractor work so the in-house build team can meet production needs.
Mentor and lead engineers and technicians on automation and controls projects.
Plan, prioritize, and execute weekly tasks to meet team objectives.

Desired Qualifications

At least 8 years of professional experience in a similar role.
A Professional Engineer (PE) license or intention to pursue one.
Experience designing and developing HMI applications with Ignition.
Familiarity with SEL, Allen-Bradley, and Siemens control-device suites.
Experience developing and deploying server/client SCADA applications.
Ability to analyze electrical one-line drawings, DC/AC schematics, and bills of materials.
Experience designing control-logic schemes and network configurations.
Experience with IEC 61131 programming.
Experience with information technology/operational technology (IT/OT) network design and troubleshooting.
Familiarity with industrial communications protocols and networking, including Modbus, IEEE C37.115, IEEE C37.111, and DNP3.
Electrical schematic computer-aided design (CAD) experience using EPLAN, AutoCAD, or similar tools.
Experience with C#, .NET, Python, and/or SQL.
Ability to troubleshoot issues quickly and provide hands-on technician support.

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.

SR. AUTOMATION AND CONTROLS ENGINEER, INFRASTRUCTURE & UTILITY (STARSHIP)

Join the Infrastructure Engineering team at SpaceX to pioneer the design, build, operation, and maintenance of critical power, HVAC, utility and fluids systems for Starship's launch, production, propellant generation, and the city of Starbase, TX. As a engineer, you'll work with a team to scale high-capacity infrastructure for the world's most powerful rocket, ensuring seamless energy and commodity for groundbreaking missions. The position is based at Starbase, TX, with potential travel to other SpaceX facilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design, build, operate, and maintain the various automation, control and SCADA systems for ground infrastructure and utility systems that run Starbase, TX.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams; lead projects; and drive rapid, continuous improvements at Starbase.
Manage control and automation upgrades to dynamically scale systems for Starship's production rate targets.
Develop and deploy standardized automation for critical power and utility systems.
Maintain organized documentation for all Starbase SCADA systems.
Design, develop, deploy, and manage ground-up automation and controls projects, including initial trades, commissioning, hand-off, and training.
Design and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications in a high-reliability production/launch environment.
Design, redline, modify, and correct electrical and pneumatic schematics using a mix of in-house and 3rd-party tools (EPLAN, Schematics, etc.).
Design new industrial electrical control panels that are NFPA 79/NEC/UL 508A compliant.
Develop power systems controls and hardware in compliance with NFPA 70, 70B, 70E, NESC, and IEEE standards, prioritizing safety and engineering excellence.
Create and update concise written and visual instructions from design review, technical drawings, and requirement documentation.
Audit manufacturing processes, assessing inefficiencies, safety improvements, and automation opportunities.
Develop SOWs, bargain, trade, and release contractor work to enable the in-house build team to keep pace with production needs.
Mentor and lead a team of engineers and technicians in automation and controls projects.
Proactively plan, prioritize, and execute weekly tasks to meet team objectives.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or another engineering discipline.
5+ years of experience designing, analyzing, and working on automation and control systems (internship and school projects experience qualify).

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES:

8+ years of professional experience in a similar role.
Professional Engineering (PE) license (or intention to pursue).
Experience designing/developing HMI applications with Ignition.
Familiar with SEL, Allen Bradley and Siemens suite of control devices.
Experience developing and deploying server/client SCADA applications.
Ability to analyze electrical one-line drawings, DC/AC schematics, and bills of materials.
Experience designing control logic schemes and network configurations.
Experience with IEC-61131 programming.
Experience with IT/OT network design and troubleshooting.
Familiarity with industrial communications protocols and networking: Modbus, IEEE C37.115, IEEE C37.111, DNP3, etc.
Demonstrated initiative, creative problem-solving, and strong analytical/engineering fundamentals.
Electrical schematic CAD experience using EPlan, AutoCAD, etc.
C#, .NET, python and/or SQL experience.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills to prioritize, schedule, and implement solutions with minimal operational impact.
Ability to quickly troubleshoot issues and support technicians hands-on.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights.
Work extended hours and weekends as needed to support launch operations.
Remain focused in hazardous environments while wearing appropriate PPE.
Lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted.
Provide 24/7 on-call support for emergencies.
Valid driver’s license.

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 [email protected].

About the Company

SpaceX

Builds rockets and runs Starlink satellite internet

SpaceX builds and launches reusable rockets and spacecraft for NASA, the military, and companies, and it runs Starlink, a satellite internet service for homes and businesses. In 2020, its Dragon capsule became the first privately built spacecraft to carry astronauts to the International Space Station. Its Falcon 9 rocket lands its first stage so the booster can fly again, which cuts launch costs, while Starlink beams internet from low-orbit satellites to small dishes for a monthly fee. SpaceX also owns xAI, maker of the Grok chatbot and owner of the social network X, and is building Starship, a fully reusable rocket meant to carry people to the Moon and Mars. Elon Musk founded SpaceX in 2002, and it is based in Starbase, Texas.

Company size: 10,001+
Company stage: IPO
Headquarters: Starbase, Texas
Founded: 2002

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