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SpaceX · 1 day ago

Automation & Controls Specialist, Starship Launch and Test

Texas, United States

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

4+ years exp

SpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. The Automation and Controls Specialist will support the development of Starship launch and test infrastructure, focusing on the installation and commissioning of automation assets and systems necessary for Starship launches and testing.

Advanced MaterialsAerospaceManufacturingNational SecuritySpace Travel

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

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 designProgrammable logic controllersElectrical schematicsNFPA 70 knowledgePID controller tuningIndustrial bus protocolsC/C++ programmingLinux operating systemsThrive in ambiguityPassion for space industryCommunicationWork ethic

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)

Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise

Must be available for overtime and weekends as the schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required

Stand: Up to 10 hours per day

Sit: Up to 10 hours per day

Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day

Overhead reach: Up to 10 hours per day

Walk: Up to 10 hours per day

Lift/Carry: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day

Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 6 hours per day

Kneel/Crouch: Up to 10 hours per day

Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day

Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per day

Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review

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

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