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 (STARLINK)
Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers and the software that brings it all together. As a member of the Starlink Tooling and Automation team you will work with elite engineers on high impact applications to create the factory of the future for high volume satellite production that will maximize Starlink’s impact around the globe and beyond.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design, build, qualify and implement projects spanning machine design, robotics and manufacturing processes from initial ideation to production use
- Architect, write, and debug PLC code
- Implement vision systems for robotic guidance, quality control and data collection
- Design systems to control processes, track factory performance and collaborate across teams to increase manufacturing efficiency in a data driven way
- Design user interfaces that make complex machines easy to use and troubleshoot
- Create electrical, pneumatic and fluid schematics for control panels
- Keep our factories safe by implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or another STEM discipline
- 1+ years of experience in the design and commissioning of automation and control systems in a manufacturing environment (internships and project work are applicable)
- Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions and little supervision
- Excited by a fast-paced environment, strong desire and ability to learn quickly and adapt
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Hands-on experience with at least one of the specific disciplines below and interest in learning the other areas you are not yet strong in:
Industrial Automation:
- Automation Hardware: PLC’s, COTS Robots, servo motion, machine vision, distributed IO, pneumatic controls, etc.
- Field Bus Networking protocols: EtherCAT, PROFINET, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, etc.
- Machinery and processes: dispenser, pick and place, fastener installation, automated bonding, thermo-compression, soldering, ultrasonic welding, temperature & position control, injection molders, die casters, etc. and design for manufacturing
- Applied Statistical Process Control and other data tools (descriptive, inferential, regression, correlation) to improve manufacturing processes
- Safely testing and commissioning integrated systems
Software:
- PLC programming, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text, state machines, applying Object Oriented Programming to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, pneumatics/hydraulics, etc.
- Robotics programming, preferably ABB Rapid
- HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), SQL, C#, .NET, Python
- Industrial machine vision, Cognex Vision Pro preferred, Halcon & OpenCV acceptable
Electrical:
- Electrical sizing of motors, cables, circuit protection, VFD’s, 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)
- Analog signal integrity and EMI reduction
- 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
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $135,000.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $165,000.00
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 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 and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
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 electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or another STEM discipline
- At least 1 year of experience designing and commissioning automation and control systems in a manufacturing environment; internships and project work are applicable
- Willingness to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
- Eligibility under ITAR requirements as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or applicant eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations
- Experience with industrial automation hardware, PLCs, robots, servo motion, machine vision, distributed I/O, or pneumatic controls
- Experience with industrial fieldbus networking protocols such as EtherCAT, PROFINET, Ethernet/IP, or Modbus
- PLC programming experience, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT Structured Text
- Robotics programming experience, preferably ABB RAPID
- Experience with HMI, SCADA, IoT, MQTT, OPC-UA, SQL, C#, .NET, or Python
- Industrial machine vision experience, preferably Cognex VisionPro; HALCON or OpenCV also acceptable
- Experience designing fail-safe electrical circuits, electrical panels, and electromechanical systems
- Understanding of electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, NEC, NFPA, UL 508A, and control-system safety standards
- Experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems using multimeters, oscilloscopes, or EMI probes
- Applied statistical process control and data analysis experience for manufacturing-process improvement
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
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.
