This listing doesn't post a salary. Most similar roles pay
$137,500–$194,125.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
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
654 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 468 roles with salary data.
As an Automation & Controls Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink), you will join the Solar Cell team to design, build, and optimize automation systems for solar cell manufacturing equipment and material movement mechanisms. You will manage projects from initial factory ideation through machine commissioning while ensuring safety compliance for robots, gantries, and conveyors. Your daily work involves architecting and debugging structured PLC code, creating user-friendly HMI screens, and integrating equipment into master SCADA and MES systems. The role requires designing electrical systems compliant with NEC, NFPA, and UL508A regulations. You will utilize technologies including Siemens TIA Portal, Beckhoff TwinCAT, EtherCAT, Profinet, and ABB robotics programming. This position addresses the technical challenge of scaling high-efficiency solar cell production to support satellite constellations and launch vehicles through advanced manufacturing automation and robust electrical engineering.
Manage automation projects from initial factory ideation through machine commissioning and operational hand-off.
Architect, write, and debug structured PLC code for high-volume manufacturing applications.
Implement safety-compliant systems for robots, gantries, and conveyors following OSHA and ANSI standards.
Design aesthetically simple HMI screens to simplify the operation and troubleshooting of complex machines.
Integrate individual equipment pieces into master SCADA and MES systems.
Design electrical systems that comply with NEC, NFPA, and UL508A regulations.
Create project schedules and budgets while leading teams to meet production milestones.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a chemical discipline.
1+ years of experience with high-speed manufacturing, controls and automation, and/or programming.
Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones.
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee (ITAR requirements).
Experience in hazardous process environments such as aerospace, oil and gas, or chemical industries (preferred).
Proficiency in electrical/industrial controls including motor sizing, fail-safe circuits, and troubleshooting with multimeters or oscilloscopes (preferred).
Expertise in industrial software including PLC programming, HMI/SCADA systems, and field bus networks (preferred).
Experience designing electrical systems compliant to NEC, NFPA, and UL508A regulations.
PLC
Siemens TIA Portal
Beckhoff TwinCAT
HMI
SCADA
MES
EtherCAT
Profinet
EtherNet/IP
MQTT
OPC-UA
Robotics
ABB
EPLAN
VFDs
Pneumatics
Hydraulics
Electrical Design
control system s