Automation & Controls Engineer, Launch Pad

SpaceX

Confirmed live today High trust

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Starbase, TXBrownsville, TX
Posted: 38 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live today
Nearby: 90 roles within 25 mi

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How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $164k

$122k most similar roles pay here $200k

This listing doesn't post a salary. Most similar roles pay $135,000–$192,500.

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 790 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$165,000 across 555 roles with salary data.

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TL;DR · Automation & Controls Engineer, Launch Pad

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As an Automation & Controls Engineer, Launch Pad (Starship), you will join a specialized engineering team to develop and build launch and test systems for the Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket. You will focus on electrical control systems for the launch mount, integration tower, and orbital propellant farm, including motion systems, drive controls, and supporting infrastructure. Your daily responsibilities include architecting, designing, and commissioning industrial electrical control panels compliant with NFPA 79, NEC, and UL 508A standards. You will write and debug PLC code, configure VFDs, design HMI screens, and set up PID controllers using protocols like Modbus, Profinet, and EtherNet/IP. Additionally, you will create electrical schematics in EPLAN, develop CAD models in Siemens NX or SolidWorks, and manage the installation of hardware for systems designed to withstand the mechanical stresses of launch.

Skills

PLC HMI PID) control Modbus Profinet EtherNet/IP EPLAN Siemens NX SolidWorks CAD Electrical Schematics Data Acquisition Industrial Communication Protocols NFPA 79 UL 508A NEC Power Distribution

What you'll do

Architect, design, integrate, and commission control systems for Starship launch pads.
Design industrial electrical control panels compliant with NFPA 79, NEC, and UL 508A standards.
Author electrical schematics and design distribution systems including raceways, cables, and wiring.
Write, debug, and document structured PLC code for automated systems.
Configure and tune VFDs and PID controllers for continuous process applications.
Create human-machine interface (HMI) screens to provide feedback for complex machinery.
Integrate control systems with high-power equipment and communication hardware in hazardous environments.
Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring installations, and project schedules/budgets.

What we're looking for

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
1+ years of experience in the design and commissioning of control systems for industrial applications (internship experience qualifies).
Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg.
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for required export control authorizations.
Experience with electrical schematic CAD using EPLAN (preferred).
Mechanical design experience with CAD such as Siemens NX or SolidWorks (preferred).
Knowledge of NEC, UL 508A, and NFPA codes (preferred).
Experience with industrial bus protocols like Modbus, Profinet, and EtherNet/IP (preferred).

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