SpaceX · 14 hours ago
Process Controls Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)
Bastrop, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Entry Level
1+ years expSpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars, and they are seeking a Process Controls Engineer for their Solar Cell Factory. This role involves designing, building, and optimizing controls and automation systems for solar cell fabrication, focusing on safety and efficiency in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
AerospaceManufacturingSpace Travel
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Design, implement, and maintain automation systems including PLC programming and SCADA development for gas farm operations (e.g., vaporizers, storage, and transfer systems) and wastewater treatment processes (e.g., solids separation, clarification, and chemical dosing) to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant performance
Develop and program PLC control logic, PID loops, and interlocks for centralized control of distributed subsystems, optimizing for real-time monitoring of parameters such as pressure, temperature, flow, pH, and effluent quality
Select, calibrate, and integrate field instrumentation (e.g., transmitters, sensors, analyzers) in hazardous environments, ensuring compatibility with safety standards like SIL, ATEX, and EPA/NPDES regulations
Lead commissioning, FAT/SAT testing, and troubleshooting of control systems, performing root-cause analysis to minimize downtime and support 24/7 operations with rapid alarm response
Design electrical systems compliant to NEC, NFPA, & UL508A regulations
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or chemical discipline
1+ years of experience with fluids/systems manufacturing, controls and automation, and/or programming (internship and extracurricular experience is applicable)
Design, implement, and maintain automation systems including PLC programming and SCADA development for gas farm operations (e.g., vaporizers, storage, and transfer systems) and wastewater treatment processes (e.g., solids separation, clarification, and chemical dosing) to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant performance
Develop and program PLC control logic, PID loops, and interlocks for centralized control of distributed subsystems, optimizing for real-time monitoring of parameters such as pressure, temperature, flow, pH, and effluent quality
Select, calibrate, and integrate field instrumentation (e.g., transmitters, sensors, analyzers) in hazardous environments, ensuring compatibility with safety standards like SIL, ATEX, and EPA/NPDES regulations
Lead commissioning, FAT/SAT testing, and troubleshooting of control systems, performing root-cause analysis to minimize downtime and support 24/7 operations with rapid alarm response
Design electrical systems compliant to NEC, NFPA, & UL508A regulations
Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones
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
Excited by a quick and iterative design and manufacturing role
Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions in both design and implementation stages
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, with the ability to make plans and directional recommendations collaboratively and cross-functionally
Ability to engineer creative, new approaches to problems while adhering to ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA safety requirements to keep a factory safe
Hazardous process expertise in an aerospace, oil and gas, or chemical industry where high pressure or hazardous systems for fluids or gasses were in use
Experience with at least one of the specific disciplines listed below. The ideal candidate is interested in learning at least the fundamentals of the other areas they are not yet strong in
Electrical sizing of motors, valves, pneumatics, cables, circuit protection, VFDs, motor starters, various other motion systems
Design of fail-safe electrical circuits using both safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays
Hands-on experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems using tools like multimeters, oscilloscopes, EMI probes
Proficiency in understanding and creating electrical schematics and single line diagrams (EPLAN preferred)
Field bus networks, serial communication, Profinet and Ethernet communications
Hands-on experience designing and commissioning high quality electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations in mind
Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL508A codes with ability to ensure compliance with control system safety standards
PLC programming, preferably Siemens TIA Portal structured text + ladder
HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), ignition systems with focus on user friendly navigation and machine health monitoring and control
Field Bus Networking protocols, preferably EtherCAT, Profinet, Profisafe, Ethernet/IP
Robotics programming, preferably ABB
Industrial software application to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, pneumatics/hydraulics, including how to safely checkout these interdisciplinary systems prior to production implementation
Company
SpaceX
SpaceX is an aviation and aerospace company that designs, manufactures, and launches rockets and spacecraft.
1001-5000 employees
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
Elon Musk
Founder, CEO & CTO
Bret Johnsen
CFO
Recent News
Oman Observer
2026-01-25
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2026-01-23
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