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Automation and Controls Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind) Verified today

SpaceX · Bastrop, TX · Space Systems · first seen 2026-09-03
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Automation and Controls Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

SpaceX is developing Starmind, a new constellation of satellites capturing solar energy in space to power low-cost, high-performance AI compute for Earth. The Starmind team designs, builds, and operates the orbital compute fabric of the future, developing nearly every key piece of technology in house from flight computers and power systems to custom compute electronics, memory, and networking.

As an Automation Engineer on the Starmind team, you will have ownership over the entire manufacturing line for the hardware that enables advanced on-orbit AI processing and data center workloads. Your work spans the assembly, integration, and testing of industry-leading compute electronics, memory, and networking to achieve required domain sizes and processing workloads.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and manage automation projects including factory ideation, machine commissioning, proof of rate capability, and handoff to operational teams
  • Architect, write, and debug PLC code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable for high-volume manufacturing applications
  • Implement ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment
  • Generate clear HMI screens to make complex machines easy to understand, operate, and troubleshoot
  • Design electrical systems compliant to NEC, NFPA, and UL508A regulations
  • Create schedules and budgets, and motivate the team to achieve them

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or computer science
  • 1+ years of experience in industrial or factory automation design and implementation, or involvement with a project team designing and building electro-mechanical, robotic, or automated systems or products

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Ability to engineer creative approaches to problems while adhering to ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA safety requirements
  • Experience with electromechanical systems
  • Electrical sizing of motors, cables, circuit protection, VFDs, motor starters, and motion systems
  • Design of fail-safe electrical circuits using safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays
  • Hands-on troubleshooting of industrial electrical systems using multimeters, oscilloscopes, EMI probes
  • Proficiency in electrical schematics and single line diagrams (EPLAN preferred)
  • Field bus networks, serial communication, and Ethernet communication
  • Design and commissioning of high-quality electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems with safety considerations
  • Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL508A codes and control system safety standards
  • PLC programming, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text programming
  • Programming and implementing machine safety software through safety PLCs
  • HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), Ignition systems with focus on user-friendly navigation and machine health monitoring
  • 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 safe checkout of interdisciplinary systems prior to production

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 (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 required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.