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. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
AUTOMATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER (LAUNCH HARDWARE)
The Automation & Controls Engineer is a multi-disciplinary position responsible for the design, operation, installation, and test of low-power electrical systems at SpaceX’s east coast launch site at Cape Canaveral Space Force base. You will work as part of a small team of elite engineers designing and improving the mechanical, electrical, and control systems at our rocket launch facility at Cape Canaveral Space Force Base. Be there on the ground floor, getting your hands dirty and contributing directly to the success of future launches.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsible for the ground support control and instrumentation systems that operate the fueling and operation of the launch vehicle/spacecraft to support launch day activities
- Directly involved with all cape ground support equipment (GSE) build, checkouts, and troubleshooting
- Operate, upgrade, and maintain all data acquisition system hardware at launch and support sites
- Control and maintain network infrastructure interfaces to data acquisition systems
- Build and design junction boxes and conveyances for end instruments
- Create electrical schematics for new instrumentation
- Use electrical equipment in the field to verify the functionality of end instruments
- Maintain systems through a preventative maintenance program
- Address physical installation issues and wear/tear/corrosion of electrical components
- Write procedures to address both routine tasks as well as off-nominal troubleshooting steps
- Provide innovative solutions to special requirements and challenges faced by the team, which can range from specialized equipment to challenging installation locations and blast environments
- Perform basic electrical installation of valves, limit switches, potentiometers, etc.
- Design, build, and operate servo motor controls
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
- 1+ years of experience with instrumentation power systems design and/or data acquisition systems
- 1+ years of experience with low-power systems and/or direct current (DC) circuits or filters
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Proficiency or direct hands-on experience in one or more of the following: electronics test rack design and build, data acquisition setup and field measurements, build of electronics systems or test systems for local assembly or industrial applications
- Experience in the following fields: robotics, automotive, aircraft, marine, autonomous vehicles, RF or communication systems, power plant or chemical process type industrial systems
- Experience with one or more of the following electrical test equipment: oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies
- Able to collaborate with a wide range of people and effectively work in a team
- Able to perform in a high-pressure, dynamic environment
- Able to juggle a multitude of tasks simultaneously
- Able to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
- Sound verbal and written communication skills
- Enjoys field work and getting hands dirty
- Experience working at a rocket launch facility and supporting launch campaigns
- Proficient in Python, SQL, HTML, Java, and MS Excel
- Experience with Modbus
- Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLC)
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be willing to work weekends and night shifts as needed
- Must be willing to travel to other launch sites in support of operational activities and launches; travel requirement is up to 15%
- Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
- Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Automation & Controls Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year
Automation & Controls Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- 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. Learn more about the ITAR here.
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.
What We Do
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary.
SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA.
