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 (STARSHIP LAUNCH PAD)
This engineer is a systems-focused, automation-driven, multi-faceted individual. The engineer uses electrical and mechanical systems knowledge to primarily inform the design of launch infrastructure for the Starship launch vehicle. SpaceX control engineers develop and integrate physical hardware, including wire harnesses, PCBs, custom enclosures, PLCs, data acquisition systems, avionics systems, engine controllers, and various sensors. The engineer is responsible for the transference of real-time data from these physical sensors to the pad operators, the responsible engineer, or the customer. Excellent operational support and accurate interpretation of data collected from these test systems are paramount. These critical automation & control systems support operations that enable safe, economical, and reliable access to space.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design and build the controls infrastructure to support the various types of ground support equipment required to test and launch the Starship Launch Vehicle.
- Maintain the operational capability of all control voltage levels (<60V) electrical systems once activated.
- Develop and upgrade data acquisition and control systems across Launch infrastructure.
- Create new automation systems as needed to support the evolving needs of the launch and test infrastructure.
- Provide technical support and guidance for controls technicians and other non-controls engineering groups.
- Develop new hardware and processes to improve capabilities, reduce cost, and setup time of electrical systems.
- Analyze data to assess the function and health of electrical systems.
- Assist in the design and analysis of experiments to evaluate test articles.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in physics, electrical engineering or computer engineering or technical discipline.
- 1+ year experience in the design and commissioning of automation and controls systems for industrial applications.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- 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.
- 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.
- Familiarity with mixed signal electronics, power supply design, analog filtering; testing and troubleshooting techniques, signal integrity, layout and grounding principles.
- General schematic capture and printed circuit board (PCB) design and/or verification and validation experience.
- Experience with electrical power distribution, working knowledge of NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E.
- First-hand 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 & digital electronic systems, including avionics.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and drive to succeed as part of a high-functioning team.
- Ability to thrive in ambiguity, independently drive project progress, and manage multiple priorities.
- Knowledge of high-reliability processes and related documentation practices.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral.
- Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings.
- Ability to perform physical tasks such as climbing up and down stairs and/or ladders regularly throughout the day.
- Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and drive to succeed as part of a high-functioning team.
- Ability to thrive in ambiguity, independently drive project progress, and manage multiple priorities.
- Knowledge of high-reliability processes and related documentation practices.
- Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, flashing lights, heat, cold, rain, and noise.
- Ability to travel to other SpaceX or 3rd party facilities (up to 25%).
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 physics, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related technical discipline
- At least 1 year of experience designing and commissioning automation and controls systems for industrial applications
- Ability to pass an Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
- Ability to meet U.S. export-control eligibility requirements under ITAR
- Ability to stand, kneel, crouch, twist, work in cramped positions, and regularly climb stairs or ladders
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds unassisted for 1 to 2 hours per day
- Ability to work around fumes, odors, flashing lights, heat, cold, rain, and noise
- Experience designing, implementing, and troubleshooting data acquisition and control hardware
- Experience with instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas, including Class I Division 1 and Division 2 environments or IEC equivalents
- Knowledge of mixed-signal electronics, power supplies, analog filtering, signal integrity, layout, and grounding
- Schematic capture and PCB design or verification and validation experience
- Experience with electrical power distribution and knowledge of NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E
- Programming and software development experience
- Experience with Modbus, Profinet, or EtherNet/IP
- Hands-on experience building and troubleshooting analog and digital electronic systems, including avionics
- Knowledge of high-reliability processes and related documentation practices
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to independently drive project progress and manage multiple priorities
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
