Sr. Electrical Controls Engineer; Starlink

Overview

Space

X 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 Space

X is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. Space

X is building Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system, and we design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers, and the software that brings it all together.

We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe. Sr. Electrical Controls Engineer (Starlink) at our Bastrop site will lead creative, multi-disciplinary projects spanning industrial controls, machine design, robotics, motion systems, and factory health monitoring to build innovative, high-rate factories that deliver internet to those who need it most.

• Design, develop, and manage automation projects – including initial factory ideation, machine commissioning, proof of rate capability, and hand-off to operational teams
• Architect, write, and debug PLC code with emphasis on organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable code for high-volume manufacturing
• Maintain factory safety and reliability by implementing ANSI/RIA
  15.06/OSHA compliant systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other equipment
• Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens to make complex machines easy to understand, operate, and troubleshoot
• Design electrical systems compliant with NEC, NFPA, and UL508A regulations
• Stay organized by creating schedules and budgets, and motivate the team to meet them

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or computer science
• 5+ years of experience with mechanical/electromechanical manufacturing, design, analysis, testing, and/or programming

• Excited by a quick and iterative design and manufacturing role
• Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions in both design and implementation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to make plans and directional recommendations collaboratively and cross-functionally
• Ability to engineer creative, new approaches to problems while adhering to ANSI/RIA
  15.06/OSHA safety requirements to keep a factory safe

Experience with at least one of the disciplines listed below. The ideal candidate is interested in learning fundamentals of the other areas they are not yet strong in.

• Electrical sizing of motors, cables, circuit protection, VFDs, motor starters, and other motion systems
• Design of fail-safe electrical circuits using safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays
• Troubleshooting industrial electrical systems using tools like multimeters, oscilloscopes, EMI probes
• Understanding and creating electrical schematics and single line diagrams (EPLAN preferred)
• Field bus networks, serial and Ethernet communication
• Designing and commissioning high-quality electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL508A codes and compliance with control system safety standards

• PLC programming, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text
• Programming and implementing machine safety software via safety PLCs
• HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), ignition systems with focus on user-friendly navigation and machine health monitoring
• Field bus networking protocols, preferably Ether
  
  CAT, Profinet, Profisafe, Ethernet/IP
• Robotics programming, preferably ABB
• Industrial software applications to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, pneumatics/hydraulics, including safe checkout prior to production

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations. Learn more about ITAR requirements.

Space

X is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced 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 Space

X’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should contact