Automation & Controls Engineer, Solar (Starlink)

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.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, qualify and implement projects spanning machine design, robotics and manufacturing processes from initial ideation to production use.
• Architect, write, and debug PLC code.
• Implement vision systems for robotic guidance, quality control and data collection.
• Design systems to control processes, track factory performance and collaborate across teams to increase manufacturing efficiency in a data driven way.
• Design user interfaces that make complex machines easy to use and troubleshoot.
• Create electrical, pneumatic and fluid schematics for control panels.
• Keep our factories safe by implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering or another STEM field.
• 1+ years’ experience in the design and commissioning of automation and controls systems for manufacturing (internships/co-ops can apply).
• Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to meet mission critical deadlines.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands on experience with at least one of the specific disciplines below and interest in learning the other areas you are not yet strong in:
  • Industrial Automation
    • 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.
  • Software
    • 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
    • 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.

Pay

Pay Range:

• 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.

Benefits

• Eligibility 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.
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Various other discounts and perks.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation and eligibility for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• Paid sick time accrual for employees in Washington State in compliance with state and federal law.
• Company shuttles for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.