Controls Engineer Verified today
About SpaceMobile
AST SpaceMobile is building the first space-based cellular broadband network accessible by standard smartphones. SpaceMobile will deliver 4G/5G connectivity everywhere on the planet, on land, at sea and in flight.
The Role
You will design, develop, implement, and maintain industrial control systems and automation solutions that support SpaceMobile's manufacturing, testing, and operational processes. You will develop reliable control architectures, program PLCs and HMIs, integrate automation equipment, and troubleshoot complex electrical and control system issues. You report to the Director of Integration Tooling.
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
- Adaptability
Working Conditions
- Manufacturing floor environment
- Must wear PPE in manufacturing areas
- Occasional travel (approximately 10%) to different sites as business needs arise
- Occasional support during equipment installations, commissioning activities, and production outages
- Ability to work around industrial equipment and machinery while following all safety requirements
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs while testing or inspecting materials as needed