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.
SR. AUTOMATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER, PCB (STARLINK/STARMIND)
At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is 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 that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.
The PCB team is revolutionizing power generation for space applications through advanced printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing. We're scaling production of PCB's to form the backbone for millions of next generation consumer facing devices that we ship directly to customers and businesses all over the world. From private homes, RVs, planes, or boats, this team plays an instrumental role in leveling the playing field for high-speed connectivity As a Sr. PCB Automation and Controls Engineer, you will design, build, and optimize controls and automation systems for the production of PCB manufacturing equipment and material movement mechanisms. This role requires a detail-oriented engineer passionate about safe electrical design, writing robust and elegant control code, and taking on total ownership of existing systems for optimization in addition to development of novel equipment, all while minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency in our cutting-edge PCB factory.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design, develop, and manage automation projects - including initial factory ideation, machine commissioning, proof of rate capability, and eventual hand-off to operational teams
- Architect, write, and debug PLC code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable for high-volume manufacturing applications
- Keep our factory safe and reliable by implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment
- Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens to make complex machines easy to understand, operate, and troubleshoot
- Integrate individual equipment pieces into master SCADA and MES systems
- Design electrical systems compliant to NEC, NFPA, & UL508A regulations
- Stay organized by creating schedules and budgets, and then motivate the team to achieve them
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or chemical discipline
- 3+ years of experience with high-speed manufacturing, controls and automation, and/or programming
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Master's degree in engineering, physics, or chemical discipline
- 5+ years of experience with high-speed manufacturing, controls and automation, and/or programming
- Excited by a quick and iterative design and manufacturing role
- Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions in both design and implementation stages
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, with the ability to make plans and directional recommendations collaboratively and cross-functionally
- Ability to engineer creative, new approaches to problems while adhering to ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA safety requirements to keep a factory safe
- Hazardous process expertise in an aerospace, oil and gas, or chemical industry where high pressure or hazardous systems for fluids or gasses were in use
- Experience with at least one of the specific disciplines listed below. The ideal candidate is interested in learning at least the fundamentals of the other areas they are not yet strong in
Electrical/Industrial Controls:
- Electrical sizing of motors, valves, pneumatics, cables, circuit protection, VFDs, 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)
- Field bus networks, serial communication, Profinet and Ethernet communications
- 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
Industrial Software:
- PLC programming, preferably Siemens TIA Portal or Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text + ladder
- HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), ignition systems with focus on user friendly navigation and machine health monitoring and control
- Field Bus Networking protocols, preferably EtherCAT, Profinet, Profisafe, Ethernet/IP
- Robotics programming, preferably ABB
- Industrial software application to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, pneumatics/hydraulics, including how to safely checkout these interdisciplinary systems prior to production implementation
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones
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 engineering, physics, or a chemical discipline
- At least 3 years of experience with high-speed manufacturing, controls and automation, and/or programming
- Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones
- U.S. citizenship or nationality, lawful permanent residency, refugee or asylee status, or eligibility to obtain required ITAR authorizations
- Master’s degree in engineering, physics, or a chemical discipline
- At least 5 years of experience with high-speed manufacturing, controls and automation, and/or programming
- Experience with electrical and industrial controls, including motor, valve, pneumatic, cable, circuit protection, VFD, and motion-system sizing
- Experience designing fail-safe electrical circuits using safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays
- Hands-on industrial electrical troubleshooting using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and EMI probes
- Proficiency creating and interpreting electrical schematics and single-line diagrams; EPLAN preferred
- Experience with fieldbus networks, serial communications, Profinet, and Ethernet communications
- Experience designing and commissioning electrical panels and electromechanical systems
- Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL508A, ANSI/RIA 15.06, and OSHA safety requirements
- PLC programming experience, preferably with Siemens TIA Portal or Beckhoff TwinCAT using structured text and ladder logic
- Experience with HMI, SCADA, IoT, MQTT, OPC-UA, and Ignition systems
- Experience with EtherCAT, Profinet, Profisafe, or Ethernet/IP
- Robotics programming experience, preferably ABB
- Experience integrating industrial software with mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, pneumatics, and hydraulics
- Hazardous-process experience in aerospace, oil and gas, or chemical industries
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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