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 SPECIALIST (STARLINK)
As a member of the Starlink Automation & Controls team, you will play a key role in owning the build and activation of custom machines critical to the production of the Starlink Satellite Constellation. Additionally, you will troubleshoot and repair existing assets and work to improve the long-term reliability of systems.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support the building and activation of new automation projects, including mechanical assembly, wiring, pneumatics routing, I/O checkouts, and production qualification
- Update/modify electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics
- Troubleshoot and remedy problems with mechanical/electrical/pneumatic systems, HMI’s, and PLC’s Layout, build, as well as troubleshoot new industrial electrical control panels
- Troubleshoot PLC and HMI software applications
- Improve on existing production and R&D robot application programming
- Support production use of deployed assets, promptly resolving issues on the production floor
- Maximize equipment uptime and reliability
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school degree or equivalency certificate
- 3+ years of experience supporting the design and manufacture of assembly machinery or high-volume products (consumer electronics, toys, medical devices, food & beverage, etc.)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Associate or bachelor’s degree
- Occupational trade school qualification in an electrical based field
- Strong, working knowledge of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety), NFPA 79 & UL508A codes
- PLC & HMI programming experience
- Industrial machine networking experience
- Electrical schematic drawing experience
- Demonstrable hands-on skill in fault finding, problem resolution
- Strong communication skills both written and oral
- Ability to bring multiple departments with different priorities together and support them in achieving common goals
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Wiling to work all shifts, overtime and weekends as needed. Estimated shift times 1st shift: 5 AM - 3:30 PM; 2nd shift: 3:30 PM - 2 AM
- Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and able to maneuver in tight spaces
- Must be able to lift up to 25lbs unassisted
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Automation & Controls Specialist /Level 1: $34.00 - $40.00/hour
Automation & Controls Specialist/Level 2: $38.00 - $45.00/hour
Automation & Controls Specialist/Level 3: $42.00 - $51.00/hour
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 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. Non-exempt Washington employees are eligible for sick leave in accordance with Washington's Sick Leave policies.
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
- 3+ years experience supporting design and manufacture of assembly machinery or high-volume products
- High school degree or equivalency certificate
- Strong knowledge of NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, NFPA 79, UL508A
- PLC & HMI programming experience
- Industrial machine networking experience
- Electrical schematic drawing experience
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.
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