Sr. Automation and Controls Engineer, Satellites (Starlink) Verified today

About the Role

Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation providing fast, reliable internet to millions worldwide. As a Senior Automation and Controls Engineer on the Starlink Tooling and Automation team in Redmond, you will lead creative projects to build the factory of the future for high-volume satellite production.

You will design, develop, and manage automation projects spanning machine design, robotics, motion systems, and factory health monitoring. You will architect and debug PLC code for manufacturing applications, implement safety-compliant systems for robots and equipment, and create intuitive HMI screens for operators.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and manage automation projects from ideation through commissioning and handoff to operations
• Architect, write, and debug PLC code that is organized, structured, documented, and reusable for high-volume manufacturing
• Implement ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and manufacturing equipment
• Design intuitive HMI screens for complex machines
• Design electrical systems compliant with NEC, NFPA, and UL508A regulations
• Create project schedules and budgets, and lead the team to achieve them

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or computer science
• 5+ years of experience in industrial or factory automation design and implementation, OR 5+ years designing and building electro-mechanical, robotic, or automated systems or products

Preferred Skills and Experience

Experience with at least one of the following disciplines. Ideal candidates are interested in learning fundamentals of areas outside their current strength.

Mechanical:

• Machine design focused on speed, reliability, maintainability, and safety
• Motion system sizing and implementation (gantries, robotics, conveyance, motors, actuators, pneumatics, hydraulics, sensors)
• Structures hand calculations for strength and stiffness design
• CAD and PLM programs, preferably Siemens NX and Teamcenter, with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing
• Design for manufacturability and familiarity with production machinery and industrial sensors

Electrical:

• 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
• Troubleshooting industrial electrical systems with multimeters, oscilloscopes, EMI probes
• Electrical schematics and single line diagrams, preferably EPLAN
• Field bus networks, serial communication, and Ethernet communication
• Design and commissioning of electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems with safety considerations
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, and UL508A codes

Industrial Software:

• PLC programming, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text
• Machine safety software using safety PLCs
• HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), and Ignition systems with user-friendly design and machine health monitoring
• Field Bus Networking protocols (EtherCAT, Profinet, Profisafe, Ethernet/IP)
• Robotics programming, preferably ABB
• Industrial software integration with mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, and pneumatics/hydraulics

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

Compensation

Level 3: $135,000.00 to $220,000.00 base salary. Actual level and salary determined case-by-case based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Benefits include long-term incentives (company stock or cash awards), potential discretionary bonuses, 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 paid vacation, 10+ paid holidays per year. Company shuttles available from Seattle locations to Redmond office Monday to Friday.

ITAR Requirement

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.