Automation & Controls Engineer

SpaceX

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Work type
On-site
Location
Bastrop, TX
Posted
2 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live today

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How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $165k
$122k $201k
below market most similar roles pay here above market

This listing doesn't post a salary. Most similar roles pay $137,500–$193,000.

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 842 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $125,000–$165,000 across 581 roles with salary data.

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TL;DR · Automation & Controls Engineer

JOB TITLE: Automation & Controls Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink) The Automation & Controls Engineer joins the Solar Cell team to scale production of high-efficiency solar cells for Starlink constellations and launch vehicles. You will design, build, and optimize automation systems for manufacturing equipment and material movement mechanisms. Daily responsibilities include architecting and debugging PLC code, designing electrical systems compliant with NEC and UL508A regulations, and creating HMI screens for machine troubleshooting. You will manage projects from initial ideation through commissioning, integrating equipment into master SCADA and MES systems. Required skills include proficiency in PLC programming, industrial software like Siemens TIA Portal or Beckhoff TwinCAT, and field bus networks such as EtherCAT or Profinet. You must ensure safety compliance for robots and conveyors while managing schedules and budgets to solve complex manufacturing problems.

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, and reusable PLC code for high-volume manufacturing applications.
  • Implement ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant safety systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment.
  • Create aesthetically simple HMI screens to facilitate the operation and troubleshooting of complex machinery.
  • 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 the team to achieve specific 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, asylee, or eligible for Department of State authorization.
  • Experience with at least one discipline in electrical/industrial controls or industrial software (preferred).
  • Hazardous process expertise in aerospace, oil and gas, or chemical industries (preferred).
  • Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions in both design and implementation stages (preferred).
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to make plans and directional recommendations collaboratively (preferred).

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