Industrial Automation Engineer; Starlink

Overview

Bastrop, TX

Space

X was founded with the belief that a future where humanity explores the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Space

X is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars and is deploying Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and provides 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.

We are looking for best-in-class engineers to maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

One key component of Space

X’s success is keeping engineering and production in-house to enable a tight feedback loop, nimble decision-making, and speedy deliverables. Industrial Automation Engineers at our Bastrop site focus on designing and developing full factory solutions for consumer electronics and gateways deployed regionally worldwide. As a member of this team, you will lead multi-disciplinary projects spanning industrial controls, machine design, robotics, motion systems, and factory health monitoring to deliver high-rate factories that bring 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 UL 508A regulations
• Stay organized by creating schedules and budgets, and motivate the team to achieve them

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or computer science
• 1+ years of experience with mechanical/electromechanical manufacturing, design, analysis, testing, and/or programming (internships and extracurricular experience applicable)

• Excited by a fast, 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 for collaborative, cross-functional planning
• Ability to engineer creative, new approaches while adhering to safety requirements to keep a factory safe

Experience with at least one of the following disciplines is preferred. The ideal candidate is interested in learning fundamentals of 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
• Hands-on troubleshooting of 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
• Hands-on designing and commissioning high-quality electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems with safety considerations
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL 508A codes with compliance for 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 (Ether
  
  CAT, Profinet, Profisafe, Ethernet/IP)
• Robotics programming, preferably ABB
• Industrial software applications to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, pneumatics/hydraulics, including safe checkout before production

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones
• Compliance with U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR). Eligible to be a U.S. citizen or national, permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

Space

X is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is based on merit, competence, and qualifications and is not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or other legally protected status.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation or wishing to view Space

X’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities should contact