Job Information
SpaceX Automation & Controls Engineer (Starlink) in Redmond, Washington
Automation & Controls Engineer (Starlink) at SpaceX
Redmond, WA
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.
AUTOMATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER (STARLINK)
Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation providing fast, reliable internet to 4M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers and the software that brings it all together. As a member of the Starlink Tooling and Automation team you will work with elite engineers on high impact applications to create the factory of the future for high volume satellite production that will maximize Starlink’s impact around the globe and beyond.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Design, build, qualify and implement projects spanning machine design, robotics and manufacturing processes from initial ideation to production use
Architect, write, and debug PLC code
Implement vision systems for robotic guidance, quality control and data collection
Design systems to control processes, track factory performance and collaborate across teams to increase manufacturing efficiency in a data driven way
Design user interfaces that make complex machines easy to use and troubleshoot
Create electrical, pneumatic and fluid schematics for control panels
Keep our factories safe by implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science or other STEM field
1+ year of hands on experience in the design and commissioning of automation and controls system in a manufacturing environment (internships and project work are applicable)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions and little supervision
Excited by a fast-paced environment, strong desire and ability to learn quickly and adapt
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
Hands on experience with at least one of the specific disciplines below and interest in learning the other areas you are not yet strong in:
Industrial Automation:
Automation Hardware: PLC’s, COTS Robots, servo motion, machine vision, distributed IO, pneumatic controls, etc.
Field Bus Networking protocols: EtherCAT, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, etc.
Machinery and processes: dispenser, pick and place, fastener installation, automated bonding, thermo-compression, soldering, ultrasonic welding, temperature & position control, injection molders, die casters, etc. and design for manufacturing
Applied Statistical Process Control and other data tools (descriptive, inferential, regression, correlation) to improve manufacturing processes
Safely testing and commissioning integrated systems
Software:
PLC programming, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text, state machines, applying Object Oriented Programming to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, pneumatics/hydraulics, etc.
Robotics programming, preferably ABB Rapid
HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), SQL, C#, .NET, Python
Industrial machine vision, Cognex Vision Pro preferred, Halcon & OpenCV acceptable
Electrical:
Electrical sizing of motors, cables, circuit protection, VFD’s, motor starters, various other motion systems
Design of fail-safe electrical circuits using both safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays
Hands-on experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems using tools like multimeters, oscilloscopes, EMI probes
Proficiency in understanding and creating electrical schematics and single line diagrams (EPLAN preferred)
Analog signal integrity and EMI reduction
Hands-on experience designing and commissioning high quality electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations in mind
Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL508A codes with ability to ensure compliance with control system safety standards
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Automation & Controls Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year
Automation & Controls Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
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 (https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987) .
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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.