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SpaceX · 15 hours ago

Instrumentation & Controls Specialist, Water Treatment (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

2+ years exp

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. The Water Treatment team at SpaceX is looking for a highly skilled Instrumentation and Controls Specialist to lead the automation efforts for their water infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and safety of critical production targets.

Advanced MaterialsAerospaceManufacturingNational SecuritySpace Travel

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

System Automation: Modify and optimize PLC logic (Allen Bradley, Siemens) to improve system reliability and process stability

SCADA Development: Design and deploy HMI screens and alarm management systems using Ignition, ensuring operators have clear, actionable data

Advanced Troubleshooting: Serve as the final escalation point for complex electrical and controls failures; diagnose root causes across network protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP), VFD parameters, and instrumentation loops

Loop Tuning: Perform precise PID loop tuning for critical process variables (flow, pressure, pH) to maintain tight tolerances in dynamic water treatment processes

Project Execution: Lead I&C integration for new equipment installs, from panel design review and IO checkout to startup and commissioning

Network Architecture: Manage industrial network infrastructure, ensuring robust communication between remote I/O, local control panels, and the central SCADA server

Standards & Compliance: Ensure all control panels and field wiring meet NEC, NFPA 79, and SpaceX internal standards

Mentorship: Provide technical guidance and training to I&C Technicians and Maintenance staff on advanced diagnostic techniques

Qualification

PLC programmingSCADA developmentPID loop tuningIndustrial automationIgnition CertificationWater/wastewater expertiseData analysisHardware knowledgePanel designMentorship

Required

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

2+ years of professional experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or I&C maintenance

2+ years of experience programming or troubleshooting Allen Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix and Siemens PLCs

Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted

Ability to distinguish between different colors of wires and indicator lights

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical milestones or emergency repairs

Due to the nature of production line bring-up, the work schedule will evolve

Preferred

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechatronics, or a related technical field

Water/Wastewater Expertise: Deep understanding of the specific control strategies required for RO trains, ion exchange, evaporators and crystallizers, filter presses, and precipitation and clarification tanks

Ignition Certification: Experience building projects in Inductive Automation's Ignition platform (Perspective/Vision modules)

Hardware Knowledge: Expert-level knowledge of VFDs (PowerFlex, Danfoss), servo drives, and diverse industrial instrumentation (E+H, Rosemount, IFM)

Panel Design: Ability to redline electrical schematics and oversee panel builds or modifications

Data Analysis: Ability to query SQL databases to retrieve historical process data for troubleshooting