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 PAD (STARSHIP)
SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket, collectively known as Starship, is a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We are looking for an automation & controls engineer to develop and build launch and test systems for Starship, focusing on electrical control systems for the launch mount, integration tower, and orbital propellant farm, including input/output (I/O), motion systems, drive controls, and supporting infrastructure. The successful candidate will join a highly talented team of engineers with a proven track record of developing advanced automated solutions.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Electrical systems:
- Architect, design, integrate, and commission control systems for the Starship launch pads
- Design industrial electrical control panels that are National Fire Protection Association 79 (NFPA 79)/National Electrical Code (NEC)/Underwriters Laboratories 508A (UL 508A) compliant
- Design control and data acquisition systems
- Design and author electrical schematics
- Design electrical conveyance and distribution systems (e.g., raceways, cables, wiring methods)
- Work closely with other disciplines; interface control systems with high-power equipment and communication equipment
- Design electrical systems for hazardous environments
Control software:
- Architect, write, and debug programmable logic controller (PLC) code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable for similar applications
- Configure, commission, and tune variable frequency drives (VFDs) for open- and closed-loop control system applications
- Generate aesthetically simple human-machine interface (HMI) screens for complex machinery while providing sufficient feedback for troubleshooting
- Commission devices using a variety of industrial communication protocols
- Set up and tune proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers for continuous processes
Mechanical integration:
- Add detail for electrical assemblies to computer-aided design (CAD) models to plan out installation for cable tray, conduit, panel mounting, etc.
- Design systems that are robust to the mechanical stresses of Starship launch
General responsibilities:
- Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and carefully balance product specifications, requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead-time limits
- Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, and conveyance installs
- Set, implement, and maintain schedules and budgets to ensure project completion
- Document control system built for handoff to pad operators
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- 1+ years of experience in the design and commissioning of control systems for industrial applications (internship experience qualifies)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Electrical schematic CAD experience using EPLAN
- Mechanical design experience with CAD, such as Siemens NX or SolidWorks
- Field bus networks, serial communication, and Ethernet communication
- Hands-on experience building and commissioning high-quality electrical control panels and electro-mechanical systems
- Knowledge of NEC, UL 508A codes
- Experience in fast-paced iterative design and test environments
- Experience solving complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team
- Strong work ethic and drive to succeed as part of a high-functioning team
- Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment
- Ability to thrive in ambiguity, independently drive project progress, and manage multiple priorities
- Fundamental understanding of engineering principles behind electronic equipment, instrumentation, and commonly used industrial equipment
- Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (National Fire Protection Association 70 (NFPA 70) Section 500 installations); Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 environments or International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) equivalence
- Experience with electrical power distribution, working knowledge of NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E
- Experience with industrial bus protocols such as Modbus, Profinet, and EtherNet/IP
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
- Must be willing to travel for extended periods, up to 100% during system activation
- Ability to travel to other SpaceX or third-party facilities (up to 20%)
- Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
- Stand: Up to 6 hours per day
- Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
- Push/Pull: Up to 50 lbs. (unassisted) between 1 and 2 hours per day
- Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day
- Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
- Lift/Carry: Up to 25 lbs. (unassisted) between 1 and 2 hours per day
- Climb (ladder/stairs): up to 3 hours per day
- Kneel/Crouch: up to 3 hours per day
- Upper body twist: Up to 3 hours per day
- Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees: up to 6 hours per day
- Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, 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.
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 reach out to [email protected].
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- 1+ years of experience in the design and commissioning of control systems for industrial applications (internship experience qualifies)
SpaceX Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about SpaceX and has not been reviewed or approved by SpaceX.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity grants are a core part of total compensation, with periodic company-run tender offers that create liquidity before any public listing. These mechanisms can make the equity component feel materially valuable in practice.
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Healthcare Strength — The package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with on-site clinics and health resources at major sites. This breadth of coverage is presented as a strong element of the offering.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Major locations feature on-site amenities such as fitness facilities, food/coffee, clinics, and other conveniences. These lifestyle perks enhance day-to-day value alongside cash and equity.
SpaceX Insights
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.
