Automation & Controls Engineer (Starlink Optical Products) Verified today
About the role
Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. As a member of the Starlink Optical Payloads Integration & Test team, you will work with elite engineers on high-impact applications to automate production lines for optical payloads, including inter-satellite lasers, optical transceivers, and star trackers. You will help create the factory of the future for high-volume optical payload production.
Responsibilities
- Design, build, qualify and implement projects spanning machine design, robotics and manufacturing processes from initial ideation to production use
- Architect, write, and debug PLC code
- Implement vision systems for robotic guidance, quality control and data collection
- Design systems to control processes, track factory performance and collaborate across teams to increase manufacturing efficiency in a data driven way
- Design user interfaces that make complex machines easy to use and troubleshoot
- Create electrical, pneumatic and fluid schematics for control panels
- Keep our factories safe by implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems
Basic qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or another STEM discipline
- 1+ years of experience in the design and commissioning of automation and control systems in a manufacturing environment (internships and project work are applicable)
Preferred skills and experience
Hands-on experience with at least one of the specific disciplines below and interest in learning the other areas:
Industrial Automation
- Automation Hardware: PLCs, COTS Robots, servo motion, machine vision, distributed IO, pneumatic controls
- Field Bus Networking protocols: EtherCAT, PROFINET, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU
- Machinery and processes: dispenser, pick and place, fastener installation, automated bonding, thermo-compression, soldering, ultrasonic welding, temperature & position control, injection molders, die casters, and design for manufacturing
- Applied Statistical Process Control and other data tools to improve manufacturing processes
- Safely testing and commissioning integrated systems
Software
- PLC programming, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text, state machines, Object Oriented Programming applied to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, pneumatics/hydraulics
- Robotics programming, preferably ABB Rapid
- HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), SQL, C#, .NET, Python
- Industrial machine vision, Cognex Vision Pro preferred, Halcon & OpenCV acceptable
Electrical
- Electrical sizing of motors, 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)
- Analog signal integrity and EMI reduction
- Hands-on experience designing and commissioning high quality electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations
- Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL508A codes with ability to ensure compliance with control system safety standards
Additional attributes
- Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions and little supervision
- Excited by a fast-paced environment, strong desire and ability to learn quickly and adapt
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
Compensation and benefits
Pay Range: Level 1: $100,000 - $135,000; Level 2: $115,000 - $165,000. Actual level and base salary determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is one part of total rewards. You may be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of paid vacation, and 10 or more paid holidays per year. Company shuttles offered for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
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 the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.