Automation & Controls Specialist, Solar Cell Manufacturing (Starlink

Automation & Controls Specialist, Solar Cell Manufacturing (Starlink)

SpaceX is becoming a world leader in electronics manufacturing in the heart of Texas. The Automation & Controls Specialist for the Solar Cell Manufacturing facility will be responsible for troubleshooting complex controls issues within existing SpaceX critical assets, with the focus on adding long-term repairs that increase the overall reliability of production systems, rather than implementing quick-fix solutions. Additionally, the Automation & Controls Specialist will be responsible for assisting in the design of new controls components and integrating with vendor-provided equipment.

The Automation & Controls Specialist makes data-driven decisions and is skilled in both hands-on electrical and controls software. This includes servicing and building industrial control panels, robotic and electromechanical controls systems, and PLC, HMI, and SCADA development.

Responsibilities:

• Integrate vendor/OEM equipment into centralized SCADA software (Ignition) for advanced line control
• Maximize the uptime of all automation assets on our advanced manufacturing lines
• Develop data analysis tools to root-cause the largest downtime sources and propose long-term fixes
• Specify and procure required components, sensors, and hardware needed for implementing controls solutions
• Wire, commission, and validate electromechanical and pneumatic control systems
• Design and commission basic PLC and HMI software applications, and additions to existing systems
• Interpret and develop logic for Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens TIA, and Allen-Bradley RS Logix
• Read, understand, and utilize system-level schematics (mechanical/electrical/pneumatic/hydraulic)
• Support production devices (HMIs, VM's, Thin Clients, IoT devices)

Basic Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate and 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing and production environment; OR bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
• 2+ years of experience working with mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic systems

Preferred

Skills and Experience:

• Associate or bachelor's degree in engineering, math, or science discipline
• Demonstrated hands-on skill in fault finding, mechanical system troubleshooting, and solid problem resolution skills
• Highly motivated with strong interpersonal skills; a team player, yet able to work independently when necessary
• Exceptional problem solving and communication skills, creative, and has strong organizational skills as well as documentation
• Strong, working knowledge of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety), NFPA 79 & UL508A codes
• PLC and HMI programming experience or familiarization using ladder logic and structured text (Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens TIA, and Allen-Bradley RS Logix)
• Mechanical equipment design/build experience
• Experience with electrical control panel design, building, and wiring
• Electrical schematic drawing/updates
• Excellent skills in Word, Excel, Power Point
• Detail oriented, organized, and able to demonstrate a high sense of urgency
• Ability to read and interpret electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics and drawings
• Analytical skills - skilled at gathering and analyzing information to understand complex situations and solve problems
• Ability to maintain a safe and clean working environment while adhering to company policies, quality policies, and industry standards

Additional Requirements:

• Due to the nature of production line bring-up, the work schedule will evolve throughout ramp
• Will start as 8 AM - 6 PM (Monday
  - Friday)
• Final permanent schedules:
• A-Shift: 5 AM - 5 PM (Sunday-Tuesday and every other Wednesday)
• B-Shift: 5 AM - 5 PM (Thursday
  - Saturday and every other Wednesday)
• C-Shift: 5 PM - 5 AM (Sunday-Tuesday and every other Wednesday)
• D-Shift: 5 PM - 5 AM (Thursday
  - Saturday and every other Wednesday)
• Must be able to gain forklift certification
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
• Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime and weekends as needed

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…