Controls Engineer Verified today

AST SpaceMobile · Midland, TX · Space Systems · first seen 2026-09-29

About the role

You will design, develop, implement, and maintain industrial control systems and automation solutions that support manufacturing, testing, and operational processes for satellite production. You report to the Director of Integration Tooling and work with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and operations teams.

Key responsibilities

System Design and Development

  • Design and develop control systems for automated equipment, machinery, and industrial processes
  • Create electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and system documentation
  • Develop control architecture utilizing PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, motion controllers, and industrial networks
  • Specify and select control system hardware, sensors, actuators, drives, and instrumentation

Programming and Integration

  • Program, test, and commission PLCs using platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, or Schneider Electric
  • Develop and maintain HMI and SCADA interfaces
  • Integrate robotic systems, servo drives, vision systems, and industrial communication protocols
  • Configure and troubleshoot Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, DeviceNet, and other industrial networks

Testing and Commissioning

  • Perform factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT)
  • Support startup, commissioning, and validation of automated systems
  • Develop test plans and verification procedures
  • Troubleshoot system issues during installation and operation

Maintenance and Continuous Improvement

  • Diagnose and resolve control system failures and automation-related issues
  • Implement process improvements to increase system reliability, efficiency, and throughput
  • Support preventive and predictive maintenance initiatives
  • Maintain control system backups, software revisions, and technical documentation

Safety and Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards and regulations
  • Participate in risk assessments and machine safety reviews
  • Design and implement safety interlocks, emergency stop circuits, and safeguarding systems
  • Support regulatory and quality audits as required

Required qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field
  • Experience programming PLCs and HMIs
  • Strong understanding of electrical control systems and industrial automation
  • Ability to read and create electrical schematics and technical drawings
  • Experience troubleshooting electrical and automation systems
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
  • Safety awareness and adaptability

Working conditions

  • Manufacturing floor environment; must wear PPE
  • Occasional travel (up to 10%) to support installations, commissioning, and production outages at different sites
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs while testing or inspecting materials
  • Ability to work around industrial equipment and machinery while following all safety requirements