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Automation & Controls Engineer (Starship Launch Pad)

SpaceX · Cape Canaveral, FL

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Level
Engineer
Team
Controls
Travel
25%
Degree
Required
Experience asked
1+ years
Industry
Aerospace & defense
Posted
Today

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level controls role at SpaceX (aerospace & defense) in Cape Canaveral, FL. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C.

They ask for
1+ years · degree required
Tools it names
Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), PLC, Automation
Day to day
about 25% travel

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of October 26, 2026

Controls Engineer roles in the US: typical posted base $99k–$142k.

Median of the low and high ends of 259 live postings that list pay, out of 794 controls engineer openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Florida plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 18 other live controls postings in Florida.

Experience asked
Less than usual (1+ vs 5+)

Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ PLC 68%
  • ✓ Automation 63%
  • ✓ New product launch 42%
  • Tooling 37%
  • AutoCAD 32%
  • Team leadership 21%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

It asks for 1+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Lifts up to 25 lbs

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. 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. 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 Max → (free)
  3. 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 25% travel. Between which sites?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 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. 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 Cape Canaveral

16 other open roles at this site · 3 people we found in controls roles at SpaceX.

All 17 roles at SpaceX →
Full description from SpaceXAs posted on their careers site.Show

Responsibilities

  • ◆Design and build the controls infrastructure to support the various types of ground support equipment required to test and launch the Starship Launch Vehicle.
  • ◆Maintain the operational capability of all control voltage levels ( BASIC

Qualifications

  • ✓Bachelor’s degree in physics, electrical engineering or computer engineering or technical discipline.
  • ✓1+ year experience in the design and commissioning of automation and controls systems for industrial applications.

Preferred skills and experience

  • ✓Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot data acquisition and control hardware.
  • ✓Fundamental understanding of engineering principles behind electronic equipment, instrumentation, and commonly used industrial equipment.
  • ✓Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (NFPA 70 Section 500 installations); class 1, division 1 and division 2 environments or IEC equivalence.
  • ✓Familiarity with mixed signal electronics, power supply design, analog filtering; testing and troubleshooting techniques, signal integrity, layout and grounding principles.
  • ✓General schematic capture and printed circuit board (PCB) design and/or verification and validation experience.
  • ✓Experience with electrical power distribution, working knowledge of NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E.
  • ✓First-hand experience with programming and software development.
  • ✓Experience with industrial bus protocols such as Modbus, Profinet and EtherNet/IP.
  • ✓Hands-on experience activating, building, and troubleshooting analog & digital electronic systems, including avionics.
  • ✓Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • ✓Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and drive to succeed as part of a high-functioning team.
  • ✓Ability to thrive in ambiguity, independently drive project progress, and manage multiple priorities.
  • ✓Knowledge of high-reliability processes and related documentation practices.

Requirements

  • ✓Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral.
  • ✓Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings.
  • ✓Ability to perform physical tasks such as climbing up and down stairs and/or ladders regularly throughout the day.
  • ✓Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day.
  • ✓Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • ✓Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and drive to succeed as part of a high-functioning team.
  • ✓Ability to thrive in ambiguity, independently drive project progress, and manage multiple priorities.
  • ✓Knowledge of high-reliability processes and related documentation practices.
  • ✓Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, flashing lights, heat, cold, rain, and noise.
  • ✓Ability to travel to other SpaceX or 3rd party facilities (up to 25%).

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 ↓

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 (starship launch pad)

This engineer is a systems-focused, automation-driven, multi-faceted individual. The engineer uses electrical and mechanical systems knowledge to primarily inform the design of launch infrastructure for the Starship launch vehicle. SpaceX control engineers develop and integrate physical hardware, including wire harnesses, PCBs, custom enclosures, PLCs, data acquisition systems, avionics systems, engine controllers, and various sensors. The engineer is responsible for the transference of real-time data from these physical sensors to the pad operators, the responsible engineer, or the customer. Excellent operational support and accurate interpretation of data collected from these test systems are paramount. These critical automation & control systems support operations that enable safe, economical, and reliable access to space.

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