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.
LAUNCH AUTOMATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER (STARSHIP)
SpaceX's Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket (collectively referred to as Starship) represent a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond. Starship will be the world's most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, with the ability to carry over 100 metric tons to Earth orbit.
We are looking for an engineer to design, integrate, and commission Starship Launch Pad control systems. This role will be focused on electrical control system design for the orbital propellant farm, including input/output (I/O) systems, drive controls, and supporting infrastructure. The engineer will be challenged to own the design and build of a launch control system capable of supporting the ambitious goals of the Starship program.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Electrical systems:
- Design, integrate, and commission control systems for Starship Launch pads
- Design industrial electrical control panels which are NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant
- Design electrical schematics
- Interface control systems with high power equipment and communication equipment
- Design electrical systems for safe operation in hazardous environments
Control software:
- Design, write, and debug programmable logic controller (PLC) code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable and reusable for similar applications
- Commission devices using a variety of industrial communication protocols
- Configure, commission and tune variable frequency drive (VFDs) for open and closed loop control system applications
- Set up and tune proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers for continuous processes
Mechanical integration:
- Design systems that are robust to the mechanical stresses of Starship launch
- Design electrical conveyance
General responsibilities:
- Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and carefully balance product specifications, process requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead-time limits
- Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, and conveyance installs
- Set, implement, and maintain schedules and budgets to ensure project completion
- Document control system builds for hand off to pad operators
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- 1+ years of experience in the design and commissioning of controls systems (internship experience qualifies)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience designing and integrating various industrial control systems
- Electrical schematic computer-aided design (CAD) experience
- Mechanical CAD experience
- PLC programming experience
- Human Machine Interface (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) development experience
- Experience with industrial communication protocols
- Hands-on experience building and commissioning high quality electro-mechanical systems
- Knowledge of National Electric Code (NEC), UL508A codes
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
- Experience in fast-paced iterative design and test environments
- Proven track record of efficiently resolving complex problems under tight deadlines
- Strong work ethic and relentless drive for success
- Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities within a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
- Fundamental understanding of engineering principles behind electronic equipment and instrumentation
- Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas
- Experience tuning PID controllers
- Experience with electrical power distribution, working knowledge of NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E
- First-hand experience with programming and software development
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings
- Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed
- Ability to travel to other SpaceX or 3rd party facilities (up to 20%)
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Launch Automation & Controls Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year
Launch Automation & Controls Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year
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, stock options, 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.
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.
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and 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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.
Top Skills
What We Do
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary.
SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA.
