Controls Technician

Controls TechnicianSpaceX 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.The controls technician supports building and maintaining our data and control systems. These systems include different data collection and control hardware, wiring, interface harnesses, and many types of sensors. The goal of the data and control systems team is to meet test needs for safe, low-cost, and reliable access to space.Responsibilities:Perform complex technical assignments involving instrumentation and data acquisition/processing systemsMaintain, calibrate, configure, monitor, test, troubleshoot, install, and repair instrumentation, process controls, data acquisition systems, and electrical systemsInvestigate, diagnose, correct, and document instrumentation or system malfunctionsAnalyze results of calibrations and processed data, and assist in the interpretation of test dataAdjust, repair, or replace faulty components of test setups and equipmentLay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify developmental and production electrical and electronic units, assemblies, components, parts, equipment, and systemsConfigure the data acquisition hardwarePerform wire terminations to a variety of instruments and verify sensor health: pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, limits, and flow metersInstall connectors, connector pins, terminals, and lugsPerform continuity checks, locate and correct wiring errors using measuring instruments such as ohmmeters and sequential continuity checkersAdjust, calibrate, align, and modify circuitry and components, and record effects on unit performanceRead and interpret planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketchesPerform layout and wiring of electrical panelsCollaborate with design engineers to troubleshoot failures and issues derived from test dataPerform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environmentBasic Qualifications:Associate degree in instrumentation, control technology, electrical systems, or other electrical field (3+ years of professional experience working with controls or electrical systems will be considered in lieu of a degree)2+ years of experience working with instrumentation such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, flow meters, multimeters, or oscilloscopesPreferred Skills and Experience:Experience working with any of the following instrumentation: resistance temperature devices (RTDs), silicon diode temperature devices, strain gauges, load cells, displacement transducers, pressure transducers, thermocouple, and flow meters (turbine, coriolis, and ultrasonic)Basic knowledge of Wheatstone bridge theory, ability to apply Ohm's law, and an understanding of direct current (DC) electronicsOperational knowledge of an oscilloscope and multi-meter, soldering wires and connectors, operation of various crimping tools, wire stripping, continuity testing, pinning out a military type connector, routing and tie wrapping cables, drilling and tapping holes, and building junction boxesSystem-level troubleshooting skills and the ability to logically solve instrumentation system problems and determine corrective actionExperience with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and motor starters, and knowledge in troubleshootingKnowledge in signal conditioning concepts for various types of sensors, to include the following: thermocouple Types K, S, and E; TC bonding concepts: resistance weld on and adhesive bond on types; TC probes through thermowell sheaths; cold junction compensation conceptsBackground should include experience with the following devices: DC power supplies, DC-DC converters, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) installations, heat shrink tubing, cable harnessing, lacing, and proper strain relief conceptsWorking knowledge of transducers, operational amplifiers, and the knowledge of measurement techniques for temperature, pressure, flow, displacement, vibration, and the application of strain gauges is also highly desired. Ability to identify required data, data acquisition plans, and test parameters, and set up equipment to conform to these specificationsWorking knowledge of multiple bus architectures (Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)/Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe), PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation (PXI)/PXI Express (PXIe), General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB), Serial, Universal Serial Bus (USB), etc.) and data communication technologiesDemonstrated capabilities in the development of comprehensive project plans that include all tasks, stage/gate milestones, and reviews necessary to successfully develop and implement solutionsIntermediate skill level using Windows Operating SystemsIntermediate skill level using Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, OneNote)Knowledge in data acquisition concepts, hardware, and interfacing (Signal Conditioning eXtensions for Instrumentation (SCXI) and PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation (PXI) based)Additional Requirements:Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rainMust be available for overtime and weekends as the schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is requiredWork performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noiseStand: Up to 10 hours per daySit: Up to 10 hours per dayPush/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per dayOverhead reach: Up to 10 hours per dayWalk: Up to 10 hours per dayLift/Carry: Up to ? 50 lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per dayClimb (ladder/stairs): Up to 6 hours per dayKneel/Crouch: Up to 10 hours per dayUpper body twist: Up to 6 hours per dayAbility to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per dayCandidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review.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 View email address on click.appcast.io.