Sr. Automation & Controls Engineer, PCB (Starlink/Starmind) Verified today

Sr. Automation & Controls Engineer, PCB (Starlink/Starmind)

SpaceX is scaling PCB production to manufacture millions of next-generation consumer-facing devices for Starlink, the world's largest satellite constellation providing fast, reliable internet globally. The PCB team is revolutionizing power generation for space applications through advanced printed circuit board manufacturing.

As a Sr. PCB Automation and Controls Engineer, you will design, build, and optimize controls and automation systems for PCB manufacturing equipment and material movement mechanisms. You will take total ownership of existing systems for optimization and develop novel equipment, while minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency in our cutting-edge PCB factory.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and manage automation projects from initial 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 applications
• Implement ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment to keep the factory safe and reliable
• Design HMI screens to make complex machines easy to understand, operate, and troubleshoot
• Integrate individual equipment into master SCADA and MES systems
• Design electrical systems compliant with 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 chemical discipline
• 3+ years of experience with high-speed manufacturing, controls and automation, and/or programming

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in engineering, physics, or chemical discipline
• 5+ years of experience with high-speed manufacturing, controls and automation, and/or programming
• Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions in design and implementation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to collaborate cross-functionally
• Experience engineering creative approaches to problems while adhering to ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA safety requirements
• Hazardous process expertise in aerospace, oil and gas, or chemical industry with high-pressure or hazardous fluid/gas systems
• Expertise in electrical sizing of motors, valves, pneumatics, cables, circuit protection, VFDs, and motor starters
• Design of fail-safe electrical circuits using safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays
• Hands-on troubleshooting of industrial electrical systems with multimeters, oscilloscopes, and EMI probes
• Proficiency creating electrical schematics and single line diagrams (EPLAN preferred)
• Field bus networks, serial communication, Profinet, and Ethernet communications
• Design and commissioning of high-quality electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems
• PLC programming, preferably Siemens TIA Portal or Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text and ladder
• HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), and ignition systems with focus on user-friendly navigation and machine health monitoring
• Field bus networking protocols, preferably EtherCAT, Profinet, Profisafe, or Ethernet/IP
• Robotics programming, preferably ABB
• Industrial software application to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, and pneumatics/hydraulics

Additional Requirements

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