Automation & Controls Engineer, Solar (Starlink)

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.

Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers and the software that brings it all together.

As a member of the Starlink Solar Automation Team you will work with a cross-disciplinary team of engineers developing the next generation Starlink solar array and the production system that will create it.

• •Automation Hardware: PLC’s, COTS Robots, servo motion, machine vision, distributed IO, pneumatic controls, etc.
• •Field Bus Networking protocols: EtherCAT, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, etc.
• •Machinery and processes: dispenser, pick and place, fastener installation, automated bonding, thermo-compression, soldering, ultrasonic welding, temperature & position control, injection molders, die casters, etc. and design for manufacturing.
• •Applied Statistical Process Control and other data tools (descriptive, inferential, regression, correlation) to improve manufacturing processes.
• •Safely testing and commissioning integrated systems

• •PLC programming, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text, state machines, applying Object Oriented Programming to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, pneumatics/hydraulics, etc.
• •Robotics programming, preferably ABB Rapid.
• •HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), SQL, C#, .NET, Python.
• •Industrial machine vision, Cognex Vision Pro preferred, Halcon & OpenCV acceptable.

• •Electrical sizing of motors, cables, circuit protection, VFD’s, motor starters, various other motion systems.
• •Design of fail-safe electrical circuits using both safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays.
• •Hands-on experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems using tools like multimeters, oscilloscopes, EMI probes.
• •Proficiency in understanding and creating electrical schematics and single line diagrams (EPLAN preferred).
• •Analog signal integrity and EMI reduction.
• •Hands-on experience designing and commissioning high quality electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations in mind.
• •Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL508A codes with ability to ensure compliance with control system safety standards.
• •Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions and little supervision.
• •Excited by a fast-paced environment, strong desire and ability to learn quickly and adapt.
• •Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.

Level 1: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00

Level 2: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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