Automation Controls Engineer

Automation & Controls Engineer, Launch Pad (Starship)SpaceX's Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket, collectively known as Starship, is a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We are looking for an automation & controls engineer to develop and build launch and test systems for Starship, focusing on electrical control systems for the launch mount, integration tower, and orbital propellant farm, including input/output (I/O), motion systems, drive controls, and supporting infrastructure. The successful candidate will join a highly talented team of engineers with a proven track record of developing advanced automated solutions.Responsibilities:Electrical systems:Architect, design, integrate, and commission control systems for the Starship launch padsDesign industrial electrical control panels that are NFPA 79/NEC/UL 508A compliantDesign control and data acquisition systemsDesign and author electrical schematicsDesign electrical conveyance and distribution systems (e.g., raceways, cables, wiring methods)Work closely with other disciplines; interface control systems with high-power equipment and communication equipmentDesign electrical systems for hazardous environmentsControl software:Architect, write, and debug programmable logic controller (PLC) code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable for similar applicationsConfigure, commission, and tune variable frequency drives (VFDs) for open- and closed-loop control system applicationsGenerate aesthetically simple human-machine interface (HMI) screens for complex machinery while providing sufficient feedback for troubleshootingCommission devices using a variety of industrial communication protocolsSet up and tune proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers for continuous processesMechanical integration:Add detail for electrical assemblies to computer-aided design (CAD) models to plan out installation for cable tray, conduit, panel mounting, etc.Design systems that are robust to the mechanical stresses of Starship launchGeneral responsibilities:Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and carefully balance product specifications, requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead-time limitsManage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, and conveyance installsSet, implement, and maintain schedules and budgets to ensure project completionDocument control system built for handoff to pad operatorsBasic Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline1+ years of experience in the design and commissioning of control systems for industrial applications (internship experience qualifies)Preferred Skills and Experience:Electrical schematic CAD experience using EPLANMechanical design experience with CAD, such as Siemens NX or SolidWorksField bus networks, serial communication, and Ethernet communicationHands-on experience building and commissioning high-quality electrical control panels and electro-mechanical systemsKnowledge of NEC, UL 508A codesExperience in fast-paced iterative design and test environmentsExperience solving complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated teamStrong work ethic and drive to succeed as part of a high-functioning teamAbility to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environmentAbility to thrive in ambiguity, independently drive project progress, and manage multiple prioritiesFundamental understanding of engineering principles behind electronic equipment, instrumentation, and commonly used industrial equipmentExperience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (NFPA 70 Section 500 installations); Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 environments or IEC equivalenceExperience with electrical power distribution, working knowledge of NFPA 70 and NFPA 70EExperience with industrial bus protocols such as Modbus, Profinet, and EtherNet/IPAdditional Requirements:Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as neededMust be willing to travel for extended periods, up to 100% during system activationAbility to travel to other SpaceX or third-party facilities (up to 20%)Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and VandenbergStand: Up to 6 hours per daySit: Up to 6 hours per dayPush/Pull: Up to 50 lbs. (unassisted) between 1 and 2 hours per dayOverhead reach: Up to 3 hours per dayWalk: Up to 10 hours per dayLift/Carry: Up to 25 lbs. (unassisted) between 1 and 2 hours per dayClimb (ladder/stairs): up to 3 hours per dayKneel/Crouch: up to 3 hours per dayUpper body twist: Up to 3 hours per dayAbility to work in temperatures over 80 degrees: up to 6 hours per dayCandidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, 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.