Automation and Controls Engineer, AI Satellites

SpaceX

Confirmed live 2 days ago High trust

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Work type: On-site
Location: Bastrop, TX
Posted: 24 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live 2 days ago
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

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Similar $170k

$136k most similar roles pay here $204k

This listing doesn't post a salary. Most similar roles pay $142,475–$197,500.

Based on 240 similar postings.

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About SpaceX

SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft with the mission of enabling humans to become a multi-planetary species. It operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, as well as the Starlink satellite internet constellation.

SpaceX currently has 680 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$165,000 across 442 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Automation and Controls Engineer, AI Satellites

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As an Automation and Controls Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind), you will join the Starmind team to manage the manufacturing line for hardware enabling on-orbit AI processing. You will design, develop, and manage automation projects from initial factory ideation through commissioning and operational hand-off. Your daily work involves architecting and debugging PLC code, creating HMI screens, and designing electrical systems compliant with NEC, NFPA, and UL508A regulations to ensure safe, reliable production of compute electronics, memory, and networking components. You will utilize technologies including Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text, Ignition, MQTT, OPC-UA, and EtherCAT. The role addresses the technical challenge of building high-performance electrical hardware capable of operating in extreme space environments to support orbital AI inference. Required skills include experience with electromechanical systems, industrial electrical troubleshooting, and robotics programming for complex manufacturing applications.

Skills

PLC TwinCAT Structured Text HMI SCADA Ignition EtherCAT Profinet EtherNet/IP MQTT OPC-UA EPLAN Robotics Electrical Schematics VFD’s Pneumatics Hydraulics IoT

What you'll do

Design, develop, and manage automation projects from initial factory ideation through machine commissioning and operational hand-off.
Architect, write, and debug structured, maintainable PLC code for high-volume manufacturing applications.
Implement OSHA and ANSI compliant safety systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment.
Create aesthetically simple HMI screens to simplify the operation and troubleshooting of complex machines.
Design electrical systems that comply with NEC, NFPA, and UL508A regulations.
Manage project schedules and budgets while leading a team to meet production milestones.
Troubleshoot industrial electrical systems using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and EMI probes.
Develop and commission high-quality electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems for satellite hardware manufacturing.

What we're looking for

Bachelor's degree in an engineering, physics, or computer science discipline.
1+ years of experience in industrial or factory automation design and implementation or related project team involvement.
Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones.
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for required export control authorizations.
Experience with electromechanical systems (preferred).
Proficiency in electrical sizing of motors, cables, circuit protection, VFDs, and motion systems (preferred).
Ability to design fail-safe electrical circuits using safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays (preferred).
Experience with PLC programming, specifically Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text (preferred).