Senior Automation and Controls Engineer, Satellites

SpaceX

Confirmed live yesterday High trust

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Redmond, WA
Salary: $135,000–$220,000 / yr
Posted: 32 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live yesterday
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

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Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $165k

This role $178k

$122k most similar roles pay here $230k

This role pays more than 65% of similar roles. Most pay $137,500–$192,625 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $178k versus about $165k for comparable roles.

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 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 · Senior Automation and Controls Engineer, Satellites

Role Posting Log in to save

Sr. Automation and Controls Engineer, Satellites (Starlink) joins the Starlink Tooling and Automation team to develop high-volume manufacturing solutions for satellite production. This senior role involves leading multi-disciplinary projects including machine design, robotics, motion systems, and factory health monitoring. Key responsibilities include managing automation projects from initial ideation through commissioning, writing and debugging structured PLC code, designing electrical systems compliant with NEC and UL508A regulations, and creating user-friendly HMI screens. The role requires expertise in industrial software such as Beckhoff TwinCAT, Ignition, and ABB robotics programming, alongside experience with EtherCAT and Profinet protocols. Candidates must navigate complex mechanical components like gantries and pneumatics while ensuring safety compliance for automated systems. This position addresses the technical challenge of building a high-rate factory capable of producing advanced satellites to provide global internet access.

Skills

PLC Beckhoff TwinCAT Structured Text HMI SCADA Ignition MQTT OPC-UA EtherCAT Profinet Profisafe EtherNet/IP Siemens NX Teamcenter EPLAN CAD Motion Systems Pneumatics Hydraulics

What you'll do

Manage full automation project lifecycles from initial factory ideation through machine commissioning and operational hand-off.
Architect, write, and debug structured PLC code for high-volume manufacturing applications.
Design and implement safety-compliant systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other production equipment.
Create simple HMI screens to simplify the operation and troubleshooting of complex machinery.
Design electrical systems that comply with NEC, NFPA, and UL508A regulations.
Develop motion systems including robotics, pneumatics, hydraulics, and sensor integration.
Manage project schedules and budgets while leading teams to meet production milestones.

What we're looking for

Bachelor's degree in an engineering, physics, or computer science discipline.
5+ years of experience in industrial/factory automation design and implementation or designing electro-mechanical/robotic systems.
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 export control authorizations.
Experience with machine design, motion system sizing, and CAD tools like Siemens NX (preferred).
Proficiency in electrical systems including motor sizing, circuit protection, and NEC/NFPA/UL508A compliance.
Expertise in industrial software such as PLC programming (Beckhoff TwinCAT preferred), HMI/SCADA, and robotics (ABB preferred).
Strong communication skills to collaborate cross-functionally and provide directional recommendations.

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