Automation & Controls Engineer, Vehicle Test (Starship) at SpaceX
Brownsville, TX, 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, VEHICLE TEST (STARSHIP)
Starship is the largest and most capable space launch system ever developed. With the capability to deliver in excess of 100 metric tons to Earth's orbit, it will fundamentally change access to space, and is the technology that will be used to establish a self-sustaining city on Mars. We will ultimately need thousands of Starships to accomplish that feat.
The vehicle test team develops machinery used for flight-like validation of all Starships systems prior to flight! We are looking for enthusiastic and creative individuals to pave the future of Starship production testing & automation. As an automation & controls engineer, you will be responsible for the full design and development cycles of a new automated test fleet of equipment. Specifically, this involves taking a problem, breaking it down to its core fundamentals, and designing / building / deploying a hardware & software interface controlling a mass-production grade piece of test equipment. We are looking for exceptional and aspirational engineers ready to take on this challenge.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Design, build, and deploy data acquisition and control systems for flight-like pressurized validation testing
Architect, write, and debug PLC code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable and reusable for manufacturing applications
Develop and deploy intuitive HMI interfaces to be used by integration & test technicians
Collaborate with our in-house build shop technicians. Provide training and documentation as needed
Work closely with build, test, and launch operations teams to develop necessary test equipment
Make high-value decisions on the fly, use feedback to continuously iterate and develop both product and process
Provide troubleshooting and technical support for critical vehicle operations
Develop build, maintenance, and upgrade plans for new and existing equipment to maximize up-time
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, or other technical discipline
Hands-on project experience with mechanical/electrical systems
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
2+ years of manufacturing design experience
2+ years' experience in the design and commissioning of automation and controls systems for industrial applications
Experience with manufacturing automation
Experience with PLC programming, such as Siemens TIA Portal
Process development, facility and line layouts, error-proofing
Experience with Siemens NX and Teamcenter CAD (or similar)
Ability to work effectively in a team environment
HMI and SCADA programming experience
Experience designing and working on high-voltage systems
Experience with wide variety of industrial components (pumps, motors, servos, valves)
Electrical schematic design experience
Understanding of field bus networks, serial communication, and Ethernet communication
Experience in fast-paced iterative design and manufacturing environments
Experience solving complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand
Typically exposed to work in outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain
Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed, flexibility required
Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
Flexibility to travel to other SpaceX sites, up to 30%
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.
