Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, Solar Cell Factory; Starlink

Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX

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.

The Solar Cell team is revolutionizing power generation for space applications through advanced solar cell manufacturing. We're scaling production of high‑efficiency solar cells to support sustainable energy solutions for Starlink constellations, launch vehicles, and beyond. This role focuses on designing, building, and optimizing controls and automation systems for the delivery of critical gases and chemicals in solar cell fabrication.

• Design, implement, and maintain automation systems including PLC programming and SCADA development for gas farm operations and wastewater treatment processes, ensuring safe, efficient, compliant performance.
• Develop and program PLC control logic, PID loops, and interlocks for centralized control of distributed subsystems, optimizing real‑time monitoring of parameters such as pressure, temperature, flow, pH, and effluent quality.
• Select, calibrate, and integrate field instrumentation in hazardous environments, ensuring compatibility with safety standards such as SIL, ATEX, and EPA/NPDES regulations.
• Lead commissioning, FAT/SAT testing, and troubleshooting of control systems, performing root‑cause analysis to minimize downtime and support 24/7 operations.
• Design electrical systems compliant with NEC, NFPA, and UL508A regulations.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or a chemical discipline.
• 1+ year of experience with fluid or system manufacturing, controls and automation, and/or programming (internship and extracurricular experience accepted).

• Excitement for a quick and iterative design‑and‑manufacturing role.
• Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions at both design and implementation stages.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of collaborating cross‑functionally.
• Creative engineering approach while adhering to ANSI/RIA
  15.06/OSHA safety requirements.
• Hazardous process experience in aerospace, oil and gas, or chemical industry with high‑pressure or hazardous fluids or gases.
• Experience in electrical sizing, fail‑safe circuit design, troubleshooting industrial electrical systems, schematic creation, EPLAN, field bus networks, motion systems, safety‑rated relays, and NEC/NFPA/UL508A compliance.
• Experience with PLC programming (Siemens TIA Portal structured text + ladder), HMI/SCADA, IoT protocols (MQTT, OPC‑UA), field bus networking (Ether
  
  CAT, Profinet, Profisafe), and basic robotics programming (ABB).

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones.
• Compliance with U.S. government export regulations (citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or eligible to obtain required authorizations).

Space

X is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Space

X 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.

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