Automation and Controls Engineer, Gateways (Starlink) Verified today
Automation and Controls Engineer, Gateways (Starlink)
SpaceX is developing Starlink, the world's largest satellite constellation, delivering fast, reliable broadband to millions of users. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system: thousands of satellites, consumer receivers, and the software that connects them. We are seeking an Automation and Controls Engineer to join our Bastrop manufacturing team.
You will lead creative, multi-disciplinary projects spanning machine design, robotics, motion systems, and factory health monitoring. You will design and develop full factory solutions for novel technologies critical to connecting the unconnected.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and manage automation projects including factory ideation, machine commissioning, and proof of rate capability through handoff to operational teams
- Architect, write, and debug PLC code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable for high-volume manufacturing
- Implement ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant safety systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment
- Design aesthetically simple HMI screens to make complex machines easy to understand, operate, and troubleshoot
- Design electrical systems compliant to NEC, NFPA, and UL508A regulations
- Create and manage schedules and budgets, motivating the team to achieve them
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or computer science
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Excitement about quick, iterative design and manufacturing
- Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions in design and implementation
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to make plans and recommendations collaboratively across functions
- Experience engineering creative approaches while adhering to ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA safety requirements
- Experience with at least one of the following disciplines; willingness to learn fundamentals of others:
Mechanical:
- Machine design with focus on speed, reliability, maintainability, and safety
- Motion system sizing and implementation including gantries, robotics, conveyance, motors, actuators, pneumatics, hydraulics, sensor selection and integration
- Fundamental structures hand calculations and ability to design for strength and stiffness
- CAD and product lifecycle management programs to generate detailed designs and drawing packages; preferred Siemens NX and Teamcenter
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability
- Exposure to production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment such as motion systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, injection molders, die casters
Electrical:
- PLC programming in IEC 61131-3 languages such as ladder logic, structured text, or function block diagram
- Electrical panel design, wiring, and integration
- Experience with industrial automation platforms and controllers
- Knowledge of motor control, drives, and variable frequency drives
- Understanding of industrial communication protocols and networks
Controls:
- Control system design and implementation
- Experience with feedback control, tuning, and optimization
- Sensor integration and signal conditioning
- Real-time system programming
Software:
- HMI software development
- Database design and integration
- Python or similar programming languages
- Software testing and debugging methodologies