Senior Automation and Controls Engineer, Satellites

SpaceX

Confirmed live yesterday Low trust

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Redmond, WA
Salary
$135,000–$220,000 / yr
Posted
78 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live yesterday

Market check

Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $168k
This role $178k
$119k $231k
below market most similar roles pay here above market

This role pays more than 64% of similar roles. Most pay $137,500–$197,500 — the blue band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $178k versus about $168k 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 851 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$165,000 across 590 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Senior Automation and Controls Engineer, Satellites

As a Sr. Automation and Controls Engineer, Satellites (Starlink), you will join the Starlink Tooling and Automation team to develop high-volume satellite production systems. You will lead multi-disciplinary projects involving machine design, robotics, motion systems, and factory health monitoring to create a high-rate manufacturing environment. Key responsibilities include designing and managing automation projects, architecting and debugging PLC code, and ensuring compliance with ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA and NEC/NFPA/UL508A regulations. You will utilize technologies such as Beckhoff TwinCAT, ABB robotics, Ignition, and EtherCAT, while designing electrical systems and HMI screens. The role focuses on solving the technical challenge of producing cutting-edge satellites by the thousands, requiring expertise in CAD, Siemens NX, Teamcenter, and various industrial sensors to maintain a reliable, safe, and efficient production line.

What you'll do

  • Design, develop, and manage automation projects from initial factory ideation to final operational hand-off.
  • Architect, write, and debug structured, maintainable, and reusable PLC code for high-volume manufacturing.
  • Implement ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant safety systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other production equipment.
  • Design electrical systems that comply with NEC, NFPA, and UL508A regulations.
  • Create aesthetically simple HMI screens to facilitate the operation and troubleshooting of complex machines.
  • Develop machine designs focusing on speed, reliability, maintainability, and motion system integration.
  • Create project schedules and budgets while leading the team to achieve specific 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/building electro-mechanical/robotic/automated systems.
  • 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 required Department of State authorizations.
  • Experience with at least one discipline in mechanical design, electrical systems, or industrial software (preferred).
  • Proficiency in PLC programming, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text programming (preferred).
  • Proficiency in HMI, SCADA, IoT, and robotics programming, preferably ABB (preferred).
  • Proficiency in CAD and product lifecycle management programs, preferred Siemens NX and Teamcenter (preferred).

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