Instrumentation & Controls Technician, Solar Cells (Starlink)

Instrumentation & Controls Technician, Solar Cells (Starlink)At SpaceX, we are building the next generation of space infrastructure to enable large-scale AI data centers in orbit. These orbital AI platforms require massive amounts of reliable, high-efficiency solar power, and we are standing up one of the largest solar cell manufacturing facilities in the world. The Instrumentation & Controls Technician will provide hands-on support for the integration, commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance of automation and controls systems on our advanced solar cell production lines.This role focuses on safe, structured execution of repairs and recoveries that maximize uptime, wiring and building industrial control panels, supporting PLC/HMI/SCADA systems, and ensuring reliable operation of electromechanical, robotic, sensor, motion, and process-critical equipment while collaborating closely with Specialists and Engineers.Responsibilities:Support integration and commissioning of vendor/OEM equipment into centralized SCADA software (Ignition) and production line controlsPerform safe controls and electrical work within LOTO, arc-flash, guarding, interlock, robot/AGV, bypass-control, and restart-verification requirements; identify hazards, verify zero energy, validate safety devices after repair, and escalate unsafe conditions or unauthorized changesMaximize uptime of automation assets through hands-on troubleshooting, basic repairs, and corrective actions on electromechanical, robotic, pneumatic, and control systemsWire, commission, validate, build, and maintain industrial control panels and field devices to NFPA 79 & UL 508A standards; replace like-for-like components (power supplies, relays, fuses, terminal blocks, sensors, etc.), restore wiring condition, and create accurate redlinesNavigate and diagnose PLCs, HMIs, alarms, permissives, sequences, I/O status, recipes, and logic behavior; clear approved alarms, perform basic recovery, capture evidence (screenshots, codes, states), and support minor authorized parameter/recipe adjustments with documentationSet up, diagnose, replace, and validate sensors, instrumentation, vision, barcode/RFID, encoders, IO-Link devices, and industrial networks; verify signals, alignment, scaling, and network healthSupport controls for VFDs, servo systems, motion axes, robots, conveyors, AGV/AMR interfaces, and controlled movement; perform documented resets, homing, recovery, and safe dry-cycle checksProvide controls support for process-critical solar cell equipment (e.g., deposition, chemical processing, printing, firing, testing, material transfer) and facilities/utility interfaces; protect product quality, recipe state, contamination control, and process stability during recoveryPerform structured fault finding, root-cause support, and rapid corrective actions to minimize downtime on solar cell manufacturing equipmentCollaborate with engineers, Instrumentation & Controls Specialists, production, and maintenance teams to deliver safe, reliable solutions and continuous improvementMaintain accurate documentation, work tickets, and records; support 5S principles, inventory control, and a clean, organized workspaceEnsure all work complies with safety protocols, cleanroom standards (as applicable), lock-out/tag-out, and regulatory requirements in a high-volume manufacturing environmentBasic Qualifications:High school diploma or equivalency certificate2+ years of experience in a manufacturing and production environment with mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic systems; OR bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science disciplinePreferred Skills and Experience:Strong working knowledge of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety), NFPA 79, and UL 508A codesDemonstrated hands-on skill in fault finding, structured troubleshooting, electrical panel work, multimeter use, schematic reading, and problem resolutionAbility to read, interpret, and redline electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics and drawingsPLC and HMI experience or familiarization with Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens TIA Portal, and/or Allen-Bradley RSLogix/Studio 5000; ability to navigate alarms, I/O status, sequences, and basic diagnosticsExperience with electrical control panel design, building, and wiring; sensors and instrumentation (photoeyes, proximity, pressure, vacuum, temperature, flow, encoders, vision, barcode/RFID, IO-Link)Experience with SCADA systems (Ignition preferred), sensors, actuators, servo drives, interlocks, production support devices, VFDs, robots, conveyors, AGVs/AMRs, and industrial networksFamiliarity with process-critical controls, recipes, facilities/utility interfaces, hazardous gas/chemicals, cleanroom protocols, and product-protection practicesExcellent skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); detail-oriented with strong organizational, documentation, and communication skillsCreative problem-solver with a high sense of urgency, ability to work independently or as part of a team, and flexibility in a fast-paced, high-stress production settingExperience with 5S, lean principles, CMMS/work ticket systems, and continuous improvement for uptime and reliabilityAdditional Requirements:Must be willing to work overtime and/or weekends as neededMust be able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassistedMust be able to walk and stand for long periods of timeMust be comfortable working in a production environment with extensive use of hazardous chemicals such as acids, alkalis, and solventsMust be able to wear appropriate PPE for lab and electro-chemical manufacturing environmentMust be comfortable with climbing up and down ladders, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, carrying, crawling, and maneuvering in tight spacesMust be willing to train on 1st shift from 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM for initial 30 daysMust be willing to work one or more of the following schedules:A-Shift: 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Sunday - Tuesday and every other Wednesday)B-Shift: 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday)C-Shift: 5:00 PM - 5:00 AM (Sunday - Tuesday and every other Wednesday)D-Shift: 5:00 PM - 5:00 AM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday)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 apply.j-vers.com.