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Sr. Automation & Controls Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink) Verified today

SpaceX · Bastrop, TX · Space Systems · first seen 2026-10-29
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Sr. Automation & Controls Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

SpaceX is scaling production of high-efficiency solar cells to power Starlink satellites, launch vehicles, and beyond. As a Senior Automation and Controls Engineer in our Bastrop solar cell factory, you will design, build, and optimize controls and automation systems for production equipment and material movement. You will own projects end-to-end from initial factory design through commissioning and handoff to operations, while maintaining safety and maximizing manufacturing efficiency.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and manage automation projects including factory ideation, machine commissioning, and proof of rate capability
  • 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 HMI screens to make complex machines easy to operate and troubleshoot
  • Integrate equipment into master SCADA and MES systems
  • Design electrical systems compliant with NEC, NFPA, and UL508A regulations
  • Create schedules and budgets, and lead teams to achieve them

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or chemical discipline
  • 5+ years experience in high-speed manufacturing, controls, automation, and/or programming

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Comfort with rapid, iterative design and manufacturing workflows
  • Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions
  • Strong written and verbal communication; ability to collaborate cross-functionally
  • Experience engineering solutions to hazardous processes in aerospace, oil and gas, or chemical industries
  • Expertise in at least one of the following disciplines, with interest in learning fundamentals of others

Electrical and Industrial Controls:

  • Electrical sizing of motors, valves, pneumatics, 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, and EMI probes
  • Creating electrical schematics and single-line diagrams (EPLAN preferred)
  • Field bus networks, serial communication, Profinet, and Ethernet communications
  • Designing and commissioning high-quality electrical panels with appropriate safety considerations
  • Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, and UL508A codes

Industrial Software:

  • PLC programming, preferably Siemens TIA Portal or Beckhoff TwinCAT
  • 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, and pneumatics/hydraulics

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones
  • ITAR requirement: applicant must be a U.S. citizen, national, 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