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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.
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Sr. Automation & Controls Engineer, Solar Cell Factory will join the Solar Cell team to design, build, and optimize automation systems for solar cell manufacturing equipment and material movement mechanisms. The role involves managing projects from initial factory ideation through machine commissioning and hand-off to operations. Key responsibilities include architecting and debugging structured PLC code, creating simple HMI screens, integrating equipment into SCADA and MES systems, and designing electrical systems compliant with NEC, NFPA, and UL508A regulations. The candidate will work with technologies including Siemens TIA Portal, Beckhoff TwinCAT, EtherCAT, Profinet, and ABB robotics while ensuring OSHA safety compliance for conveyors and gantries. This role addresses the technical challenge of scaling high-efficiency solar cell production to support satellite constellations and launch vehicles within a high-speed manufacturing environment involving complex motion systems and hazardous process expertise.
Design, develop, and manage automation projects from initial factory ideation through machine commissioning and hand-off.
Architect, write, and debug structured PLC code for high-volume manufacturing applications.
Implement safety-compliant systems for robots, gantries, and conveyors following ANSI/RIA15.06 and OSHA standards.
Create 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.
Manage 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.
5+ 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, or eligible for required export control authorizations.
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 and oscilloscopes (preferred).
Expertise in industrial software including PLC programming, HMI/SCADA systems, and fieldbus networks like Profinet or EtherCAT (preferred).
Ability to design electrical systems compliant with NEC, NFPA, and UL508A regulations.
PLC
Siemens TIA Portal
Beckhoff TwinCAT 3
HMI
SCADA
Python
C#
.NET
SQL
EPlan
ABB Robotstudio
Kuka Sim
Siemens Process Simulate
Ethernet
Field bus
NFPA 79
NEC
UL508A
HVAC