
Automation & Controls Specialist (Starlink Development)
SpaceX · Bastrop, TX
- Level
- Specialist
- Team
- Controls
- Experience asked
- 2+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A specialist controls role at SpaceX (aerospace & defense) in Bastrop, TX. PLC & HMI programming experience or familiarization using ladder logic and structured text (Beckoff Twincat, Siemens TIA, and Allen-Bradley RSLogix).
- They ask for
- 2+ years
- Tools it names
- 5S, PLC, Automation
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in Texas: typical posted base $95k–$140k.
Median of the low and high ends of 9 live postings that list pay, out of 81 controls engineer openings in Texas, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Texas plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 80 other live controls postings in Texas.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (2+ vs 4+)
Typical $95k–$140k, from 8 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 4+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ PLC 84%
- ✓ Automation 77%
- Robotics 40%
- EHS / safety 27%
- Python 26%
- New product launch 22%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for 5S, 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 SpaceX
We found 3 people at this company and state: 3 in this kind of role. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See 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.
Write to Naseh → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- 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: SpaceX in Bastrop
157 other open roles at this site · 3 people we found in controls roles at SpaceX.
- Facilities Specialist, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink) · Reliability · Specialist
- Lead Operations Engineer · Production · Manager
- Sr. Supplier Development Engineer (Starlink) · Quality · Senior
- Lead Production Technician, Solar Cells (Starlink) · Production · Technician
- PECVD Process Engineer, Solar Cells (Starlink) · Process
- Process Specialist, Vendor Management (Starlink) · Process · Specialist
Full description from SpaceXAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Integrate and commission electromechanical production systems using a wide array of tools, machines, and equipment, and collaborate with engineering to deliver solutions
- ◆Develop, build, and execute new automation solutions for our production lines and work to improve existing automated assets to meet production
requirements
- ✓Read, understand, utilize, and redline system-level schematics (mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic)
- ✓Build industrial control panels to NFPA 79 & UL 508A standards
- ✓Design, implement, and commission PLC and HMI software applications
- ✓Spec and procure required components, sensors, and hardware needed for implementing control solutions
- ✓Maintain and support the operation of the automation lab by enforcing proper workflow, safety, tidiness, and inventory control of consumables and equipment
- ✓Perform and promote 5S principles of organizing and sustaining an efficient and presentable team work space
- ✓Work creatively and innovate to support team goals by always being prepared to challenge the status quo and develop unique solutions
Qualifications
- ✓High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- ✓2+ years of automation experience in a manufacturing and production environment
- ✓2+ years of experience working with mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic systems
Preferred skills and experience
- ✓Demonstrated hands-on skill in fault finding and mechanical system troubleshooting
- ✓Creative, detail oriented, and highly organized with exceptional communication skills
- ✓Strong, working knowledge of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety), NFPA 79, and UL508A codes
- ✓PLC & HMI programming experience or familiarization using ladder logic and structured text (Beckoff Twincat, Siemens TIA, and Allen-Bradley RSLogix)
- ✓Experience with electrical and pneumatic schematics for automated equipment using EPLAN Electrical/Fluid and Visio software suites or equivalent
- ✓Experience with electrical control panel design, building, and wiring
- ✓Excellent skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- ✓Skilled in gathering and analyzing information to understand complex problems
- ✓Ability to maintain a safe and clean working environment while adhering to company policies, quality policies, and industry standards
Requirements
- ✓Must be able to acquire forklift certification
- ✓Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
- ✓Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
- ✓Must be willing to work overtime and weekends as required to support critical milestones
ITAR
Requirements
- ✓To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .
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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com .
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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 specialist (starlink development)
SpaceX is developing a low-latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable. The Automation & Controls team is responsible for designing, building, installing, and commissioning new automation assets, which are key in enabling production. The Automation & Controls Specialists are responsible for the hands-on integration, commissioning, and design iteration process alongside engineering to deliver safe, innovative, and reliable solutions for the Starlink program.
