Automation & Controls Specialist, Starship Launch and Test jobs in United States
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SpaceX · 1 day ago

Automation & Controls Specialist, Starship Launch and Test

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 automation and controls specialist will support the development of SpaceX's Starship launch and test infrastructure, contributing to a fully reusable transportation system designed for crew and cargo missions.

Advanced MaterialsAerospaceManufacturingNational SecuritySpace Travel
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Growth Opportunities
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Responsibilities

Develop and upgrade electrical systems for ground support data acquisition and control
Develop new hardware and processes to improve capabilities, cost, and setup time of ground support electrical systems
Develop electrical schematics for system build and commissioning
Develop software configurations required for control system capabilities
Provide technical support and guidance for controls technicians and other non-controls engineering groups
Lead shifts of technicians and/or contractors efficiently
Analyze data to assess the function of electrical systems
Assist in the design and analysis of experiments to evaluate test articles
Perform other related duties, as assigned, to support SpaceX’s goal of a multi-planetary civilization

Qualification

Data acquisition systemsControl systems designElectrical systems knowledgeProgrammable logic controllersElectrical schematics developmentPID controller tuningIndustrial bus protocolsHands-on programmingThrive in ambiguityCommunicationWork ethicTeam collaboration

Required

High school diploma or equivalency certificate
4+ years of professional experience working with electrical or data acquisition systems
2+ years of experience designing electrical, mechanical, or control systems (experience from a university or trade school qualifies)

Preferred

Occupational trade school qualification in an instrumentation or electrical-based field
Knowledge of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety), NFPA 79, and UL508A codes
Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal
Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
Strong work ethic and drive to succeed as part of a high-functioning team
Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a fast-paced, challenging work environment
Ability to thrive in ambiguity, independently drive project progress, and manage multiple priorities
Knowledge of high-reliability processes and related documentation practices
Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot data acquisition and control hardware
Fundamental understanding of engineering principles behind electronic equipment, instrumentation, and commonly used industrial equipment
Ability to select and size electrical and electromechanical components such as servo motors, controllers, and variable frequency drives (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
General schematic capture and PCB design and/or verification and validation experience
Experience tuning PID controllers
Experience with electrical power distribution; working knowledge of NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E
Experience with connectorization standards such as IPC-620, NASA 8739.4, and D38999 specifications
Hands-on experience with programming and software development
Experience with industrial bus protocols such as Modbus, Profinet, and EtherNet/IP
Hands-on experience activating, building, and troubleshooting analog electronic systems
Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience
Experience working with National Instruments cRIOs and cDAQs
Exposure to C/C++, Python, and JavaScript
Experience with Linux-based operating systems

Company

SpaceX is an aviation and aerospace company that designs, manufactures, and launches rockets and spacecraft.

Funding

Current Stage
Late Stage
Total Funding
$11.78B
Key Investors
Korea Investment PartnersIntesa SanpaoloAndreessen Horowitz
2025-12-12Secondary Market
2025-09-10Secondary Market
2025-08-13Secondary Market· $10M

Leadership Team

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Bret Johnsen
CFO
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Charles Kuehmann
VP Materials Engineering
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Company data provided by crunchbase