SpaceX · 4 hours ago
Automation & Controls Engineer, Launch Pad (Starship)
Cape Canaveral, FL
Full-time
Onsite
Entry Level
1+ years expSpaceX is a company focused on developing technologies for human life on Mars. They are seeking an Automation & Controls Engineer to help develop and build launch systems for the Starship, focusing on electrical control systems for the launch mount and integration tower.
Advanced MaterialsAerospaceManufacturingNational SecuritySpace Travel
Responsibilities
Architect, design and integrate control systems for the Starship Launch pads
Design industrial electrical control panels which are NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant
Design control and data acquisition systems
Design and author electrical schematics
Design electrical conveyance and distribution systems (e.g. raceways, cables, wiring methods)
Work closely with other disciplines. Interface control systems with high power equipment and communication equipment
Design electrical systems for hazardous environments
Architect, write, and debug PLC code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable and reusable for similar applications
Configure, commission and tune VFDs for open and closed loop control system applications
Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens for complex machinery while providing sufficient feedback for troubleshooting
Add detail for electrical assemblies to CAD models to plan out install for cable tray, conduit, panel mounting, etc
Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and carefully balance product specifications, process requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead-time limits
Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, and conveyance installs
Set, implement, and maintain schedules and budgets to ensure project completion
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics
1+ years of experience in the design and commissioning of control systems for industrial applications (internship experience qualifies)
Architect, design and integrate control systems for the Starship Launch pads
Design industrial electrical control panels which are NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant
Design control and data acquisition systems
Design and author electrical schematics
Design electrical conveyance and distribution systems (e.g. raceways, cables, wiring methods)
Work closely with other disciplines. Interface control systems with high power equipment and communication equipment
Design electrical systems for hazardous environments
Architect, write, and debug PLC code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable and reusable for similar applications
Configure, commission and tune VFDs for open and closed loop control system applications
Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens for complex machinery while providing sufficient feedback for troubleshooting
Add detail for electrical assemblies to CAD models to plan out install for cable tray, conduit, panel mounting, etc
Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and carefully balance product specifications, process requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead-time limits
Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, and conveyance installs
Set, implement, and maintain schedules and budgets to ensure project completion
Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
Must be willing to travel for extended periods, up to 100% during system activation
Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State
Preferred
Experience with Industrial and process automation & control systems
Experience architecting, designing, and integrating various industrial control systems
Electrical schematic CAD experience using EPlan
Mechanical design experience with CAD such as Siemens NX or SolidWorks
PLC programming experience
HMI and SCADA programming experience
Field bus networks, serial communication and Ethernet communication
Hands-on experience building and commissioning high quality electrical control panels and electro-mechanical systems
Knowledge of NEC, UL508A codes
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
Experience in fast-paced iterative design and test environments
Experience solving complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team
Strong work ethic and drive to succeed as part of a high functioning team
Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment
Ability to thrive in ambiguity, independently drive project progress, and manage multiple priorities
Demonstrated ability to design, implement and troubleshoot control systems
Fundamental understanding of engineering principles behind electronic equipment, instrumentation, and commonly used industrial equipment
Select and size electrical and electromechanical components such as servo motors, controllers, and VFDs
Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (NFPA 70 Section 500 installations); Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 environments or IEC equivalence
Experience tuning PID controllers
Experience with electrical power distribution, working knowledge of NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E
First-hand experience with programming and software development
Experience with industrial bus protocols such as Modbus, Profinet and EtherNet/IP
Company
SpaceX
SpaceX is an aviation and aerospace company that designs, manufactures, and launches rockets and spacecraft.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
SpaceX has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (22)
2024 (17)
2023 (2)
2022 (3)
2020 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$11.78BKey Investors
Korea Investment PartnersIntesa SanpaoloAndreessen Horowitz
2025-12-12Secondary Market
2025-09-10Secondary Market
2025-08-13Secondary Market· $10M
Leadership Team
Bret Johnsen
CFO
Charles Kuehmann
VP Materials Engineering
Recent News
2026-01-12
The Motley Fool
2026-01-12
Company data provided by crunchbase