
Sr. Automation & Controls Engineer, Infrastructure & Utility (Starship)
SpaceX · Starbase, TX
- Level
- Senior
- Team
- Controls
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A senior controls role at SpaceX (aerospace & defense) in Starbase, TX. C#, .NET, python and/or SQL experience.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- PLC, Automation, AutoCAD
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
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
- More than usual (5+ vs 4+)
Typical $90k–$132k, from 9 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 4+ 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.
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 on the team, plus 1 likely hiring manager. 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 does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- 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 Starbase
22 other open roles at this site · 3 people we found on the controls team.
- Launch Operations Engineer (Starship) · Production
- Design Reliability Engineer (Crew Starship) · Reliability
- Supplier Development Engineer (Materials Engineering) · Quality
- Sr. Power Plant Engineer · Production · Senior
- Equipment Reliability Engineer (Starship) · Reliability
- Welding Engineer (Starship) · Manufacturing
Full description from SpaceXAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Design, build, operate, and maintain the various automation, control and SCADA systems for ground infrastructure and utility systems that run Starbase, TX.
- ◆Collaborate with cross-functional teams; lead projects; and drive rapid, continuous improvements at Starbase.
- ◆Manage control and automation upgrades to dynamically scale systems for Starship's production rate targets.
- ◆Develop and deploy standardized automation for critical power and utility systems.
- ◆Maintain organized documentation for all Starbase SCADA systems.
- ◆Design, develop, deploy, and manage ground-up automation and controls projects, including initial trades, commissioning, hand-off, and training.
- ◆Design and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications in a high-reliability production/launch environment.
- ◆Design, redline, modify, and correct electrical and pneumatic schematics using a mix of in-house and 3rd-party tools (EPLAN, Schematics, etc.).
- ◆Design new industrial electrical control panels that are NFPA 79/NEC/UL 508A compliant.
- ◆Develop power systems controls and hardware in compliance with NFPA 70, 70B, 70E, NESC, and IEEE standards, prioritizing safety and engineering excellence.
- ◆Create and update concise written and visual instructions from design review, technical drawings, and requirement documentation.
- ◆Audit manufacturing processes, assessing inefficiencies, safety improvements, and automation opportunities.
- ◆Develop SOWs, bargain, trade, and release contractor work to enable the in-house build team to keep pace with production needs.
- ◆Mentor and lead a team of engineers and technicians in automation and controls projects.
- ◆Proactively plan, prioritize, and execute weekly tasks to meet team objectives.
Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or another engineering discipline.
- ✓5+ years of experience designing, analyzing, and working on automation and control systems (internship and school projects experience qualify).
Preferred skills and experiences
- ✓8+ years of professional experience in a similar role.
- ✓Professional Engineering (PE) license (or intention to pursue).
- ✓Experience designing/developing HMI applications with Ignition.
- ✓Familiar with SEL, Allen Bradley and Siemens suite of control devices.
- ✓Experience developing and deploying server/client SCADA applications.
- ✓Ability to analyze electrical one-line drawings, DC/AC schematics, and bills of materials.
- ✓Experience designing control logic schemes and network configurations.
- ✓Experience with IEC-61131 programming.
- ✓Experience with IT/OT network design and troubleshooting.
- ✓Familiarity with industrial communications protocols and networking: Modbus, IEEE C37.115, IEEE C37.111, DNP3, etc.
- ✓Demonstrated initiative, creative problem-solving, and strong analytical/engineering fundamentals.
- ✓Electrical schematic CAD experience using EPlan, AutoCAD, etc.
- ✓C#, .NET, python and/or SQL experience.
- ✓Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- ✓Strong organizational skills to prioritize, schedule, and implement solutions with minimal operational impact.
- ✓Ability to quickly troubleshoot issues and support technicians hands-on.
Requirements
- ✓Perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights.
- ✓Work extended hours and weekends as needed to support launch operations.
- ✓Remain focused in hazardous environments while wearing appropriate PPE.
- ✓Lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted.
- ✓Provide 24/7 on-call support for emergencies.
- ✓Valid driver’s license.
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 .
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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.
SR. AUTOMATION AND CONTROLS ENGINEER, INFRASTRUCTURE & UTILITY (STARSHIP)
Join the Infrastructure Engineering team at SpaceX to pioneer the design, build, operation, and maintenance of critical power, HVAC, utility and fluids systems for Starship's launch, production, propellant generation, and the city of Starbase, TX. As a engineer, you'll work with a team to scale high-capacity infrastructure for the world's most powerful rocket, ensuring seamless energy and commodity for groundbreaking missions. The position is based at Starbase, TX, with potential travel to other SpaceX facilities.
