Automation Controls Specialist

Automation Controls Specialist

The Automation Controls Specialist designs, installs, tests, and supports electrical and control systems used in advanced manufacturing and testing environments. This role creates clear documentation and work instructions, troubleshoots complex automation issues, and collaborates closely with engineers and production teams to improve system reliability and efficiency. The specialist also supports equipment setup and onboarding, ensuring that designs move smoothly into completed hardware and that production teams can build and test systems quickly and safely.

This is a new construction setting that is 70/30 outdoor/indoor. Preferred candidates have instrumentation experience but you MUST be open to pulling wire.

Responsibilities

• Create, update, and document detailed work instructions for installing, configuring, and testing electrical and control systems.
• Install, wire, and commission control panels, conduit runs, and related electrical infrastructure for automated systems.
• Support production by quickly resolving automation and electrical issues that arise during builds and testing.
• Troubleshoot programmable logic controllers (PLCs), wiring, instrumentation, and control circuits to identify root causes and implement effective fixes.
• Collaborate with engineers to analyze system performance, review designs, and implement improvements to control architectures and hardware layouts.
• Identify design or build problems on the manufacturing floor and propose practical, cost-effective improvements to make manufacturing and assembly easier and more reliable.
• Set up, maintain, and onboard equipment required for testing, fabrication, and faster builds, ensuring systems are ready for use by technicians and engineers.
• Improve processes and workflows to move designs into completed hardware more efficiently, reducing rework and improving build quality.
• Install and use instrumentation such as strain gages, pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, RTDs, accelerometers, and associated analog circuitry.
• Fabricate, assemble, and repair cable harnesses, including soldering, crimping, and assembling various types of connectors.
• Maintain accurate documentation and control of drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, manuals, and related engineering documents.
• Interpret and work from planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches.
• Communicate clearly with engineers, technicians, and production staff to coordinate work, share status updates, and ensure issues are resolved quickly.
• Adapt to changing priorities and roles while maintaining high-quality work in a fast-paced, challenging environment.
• Work safely and effectively in both indoor and outdoor test site environments, following all safety procedures and best practices.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with conduit bending, panel building, and wire installation for industrial or automation systems.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting automation control systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for electrical, control, and instrumentation systems.
• Experience with document control, including managing and updating technical documentation and work instructions.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches.
• Ability to install and use instrumentation such as strain gages, pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, RTDs, accelerometers, and analog circuitry.
• Ability to fabricate and repair cable harnesses, including soldering, crimping, and assembling connectors.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to solve complex technical problems with minimal supervision while working under tight schedules.
• Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting construction environments and resolving issues on active builds and tests.
• Experience in improving manufacturing or assembly processes to enhance build speed and quality.
• Familiarity with testing and fabrication equipment used in automation and hardware development.
• Experience working on outdoor test sites or field environments.
• Comfort working with both low-voltage control systems and related industrial power circuits.

Why Work Here?

You will contribute to ambitious, forward-looking technology that supports a vision of expanding human presence beyond Earth. The organization fosters a fast-paced, highly collaborative culture where problem-solvers can take ownership, innovate, and see their work quickly translated into real hardware and systems. You will work alongside talented engineers and technicians, gain exposure to cutting-edge automation and test environments, and have opportunities to grow your skills while tackling complex, meaningful challenges.

Work Environment

This role primarily supports a test site environment with approximately 70% of work performed outdoors and 30% indoors. The schedule follows a Monday through Friday workweek, typically from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You will work around active test and fabrication areas, handling electrical panels, conduit, instrumentation, and automation equipment. The environment is fast-paced and hands-on, requiring comfort with field conditions, exposure to varying weather, and adherence to safety procedures. Standard industrial attire and appropriate personal protective equipment are expected to support safe work on and around test stands, fabrication areas, and electrical systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Brownsville, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Brownsville, TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 2026.