Automation & Controls Engineer (Starlink) at SpaceX
Hawthorne, CA, United States
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
AUTOMATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER (STARLINK)
Starlink believes in providing fast, reliable internet to serve populations with little or no connectivity. We design, build, and launch the world's largest constellation of satellites, enabling us to operate a global internet network unbounded by traditional ground infrastructure limitations. Starlink is now delivering initial beta service and accepting pre-orders both domestically and internationally, and will continue expansion to near global coverage of the populated world in 2022.
The Automation & Controls Engineer will play a key role as we strive to manufacture millions of consumer facing devices that we ship directly to customers (Starlink dishes, Wi-Fi routers, mounting hardware, etc). Specifically, they will design and develop control systems and software for production line machinery - ultimately tackling the toughest mechanical, software, and electrical challenges that come with high volume manufacturing, all while maintaining a focus on flexibility, reliability, maintainability, and ease of use.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Design, develop, and manage automation and controls projects to manufacture consumer electronics that are easy for humans around the world to use, but are technically very sophisticated - this includes initial factory ideation, on-line commissioning and proof of rate capability, and eventual hand-off to operational teams
Spearhead facility bring up and initial equipment conceptual development by carefully balancing product specifications, process requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead-time limits
Architect, write, and debug PLC code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable for high-volume manufacturing applications
Implement (ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant) control reliable safety systems for safeguarding robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment
Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens for complex machinery while providing sufficient feedback for troubleshooting
Design electrical control systems compliant to NEC70, NFPA79, & UL508A
Set, implement, and maintain schedules and budgets to ensure project completion as we strive to ship to 35+ countries by the end of the year
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in an engineering, physics, or computer science discipline
2+ years of total experience in one or a combination of the following:
Professional or internship experience in automation (industrial, machine, robotic, test, or control systems)
Involvement with a project team designing and building robotics or automated systems
Academic research on robotics or machine design
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience
Electrical schematic CAD experience using EPlan
C#, .NET, python and/or SQL experience
PLC programming, preferably Beckhoff experience
HMI and SCADA programming experience
Field bus networks, serial communication, and Ethernet communication
Hands-on experience building and commissioning high quality electrical control panels and electro-mechanical systems
Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79, UL508A codes
Exposure to a wide variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (vision systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, nutrunners, etc.)
Experience in fast-paced iterative design and manufacturing environments
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
Experience solving complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.
