Controls Engineer
AST SpaceMobile · Midland, TX
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Travel
- 10%
- Degree
- Required
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 25 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at AST SpaceMobile (aerospace & defense) in Midland, TX.
- They ask for
- degree required
- Tools it names
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), PLC, Robotics, Automation, Tooling
- Day to day
- about 10% travel
- Openings
- 3 with this title at this site
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
How this role compares
Against 76 other live controls postings in Texas.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Typical $90k–$132k, from 9 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ PLC 84%
- ✓ Automation 77%
- ✓ Robotics 38%
- EHS / safety 27%
- Root cause 22%
- Python 22%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Tooling, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at AST SpaceMobile
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- The posting says about 10% travel. Between which sites?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: AST SpaceMobile in Midland
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Full description from AST SpaceMobileAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Position Summary
The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of industrial control systems and automation solutions. This role supports manufacturing, testing, and operational processes by developing reliable control architectures, programming PLCs and HMIs, integrating automation equipment, and troubleshooting complex electrical and control system issues. The Controls Engineer works closely with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and operations teams to improve system performance, safety, quality, and productivity. This position reports to the Director of Integration Tooling.
Required Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field.
- ✓Experience programming PLCs and HMIs.
- ✓Strong understanding of electrical control systems and industrial automation.
- ✓Ability to read and create electrical schematics and technical drawings.
- ✓Experience troubleshooting electrical and automation systems.
- ✓Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- ✓Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
- ✓Safety Awareness
- ✓Adaptability
responsibilities
listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands .
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.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.
System Design & Development
- •Design and develop control systems for automated equipment, machinery, and industrial processes.
- •Create electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and system documentation.
- •Develop control architecture utilizing PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, motion controllers, and industrial networks.
- •Specify and select control system hardware, sensors, actuators, drives, and instrumentation.
Programming & Integration
- •Program, test, and commission PLCs using platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, or Schneider Electric.
- •Develop and maintain HMI and SCADA interfaces.
- •Integrate robotic systems, servo drives, vision systems, and industrial communication protocols.
- •Configure and troubleshoot Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, DeviceNet, and other industrial networks.
Testing & Commissioning
- •Perform factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT).
- •Support startup, commissioning, and validation of automated systems.
- •Develop test plans and verification procedures.
- •Troubleshoot system issues during installation and operation.
Maintenance & Continuous Improvement
- •Diagnose and resolve control system failures and automation-related issues.
- •Implement process improvements to increase system reliability, efficiency, and throughput.
- •Support preventive and predictive maintenance initiatives.
- •Maintain control system backups, software revisions, and technical documentation.
Safety & Compliance
- •Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards and regulations.
- •Participate in risk assessments and machine safety reviews.
- •Design and implement safety interlocks, emergency stop circuits, and safeguarding systems.
- •Support regulatory and quality audits as required.
Working Conditions
- •Manufacturing floor
- •Must wear PPE while working in a manufacturing environment
- •Must be able to travel on occasion (10%) to include working in at different site(s) as business needs arise
- •Occasional support during equipment installations, commissioning activities, and production outages.
- •Ability to work around industrial equipment and machinery while following all safety requirements.
- •Must lift up to 50 lbs. while testing or inspecting materials as needed
This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and