Manufacturing Automation Engineer, Solar Starlink

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.

MANUFACTURING AUTOMATION ENGINEER, SOLAR - (STARLINK)

Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation providing 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.

As a member of the Starlink Solar Automation Team you will work with a cross-disciplinary team of engineers developing the next generation Starlink solar array and the production system that will create it.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, build, qualify and implement projects spanning machine design, robotics and manufacturing processes from initial ideation to production use.
• Architect, write, and debug PLC code.
• Implement vision systems for robotic guidance, quality control and data collection.
• Design systems to control processes, track factory performance and collaborate across teams to increase manufacturing efficiency in a data driven way.
• Design user interfaces that make complex machines easy to use and troubleshoot.
• Create electrical, pneumatic and fluid schematics for control panels.
• Keep our factories safe by implementing ANSI/RIA
  15.06/OSHA compliant systems.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering or another STEM field.
• 1+ years’ experience in the design and commissioning of automation and controls systems for manufacturing (internships/co-ops can apply).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Hands on experience with at least one of the specific disciplines below and interest in learning the other areas you are not yet strong in:

Industrial Automation:

• Automation Hardware: PLC’s, COTS Robots, servo motion, machine vision, distributed IO, pneumatic controls, etc.
• Field Bus Networking protocols:
  Ether
  
  CAT, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, etc.
• Machinery and processes: dispenser, pick and place, fastener installation, automated bonding, thermo-compression, soldering, ultrasonic welding, temperature & position control, injection molders, die casters, etc. and design for manufacturing.
• Applied Statistical Process Control and other data tools (descriptive, inferential, regression, correlation) to improve manufacturing processes.
• Safely testing and commissioning integrated systems

Software:

• PLC programming, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text, state machines, applying Object Oriented Programming to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, pneumatics/hydraulics, etc.
• Robotics programming, preferably ABB Rapid.
• HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), SQL, C#, .NET, Python.
• Industrial machine vision, Cognex Vision Pro preferred, Halcon & OpenCV acceptable.

Electrical:

• Electrical sizing of motors, cables, circuit protection, VFD’s, motor starters, various other motion systems.
• Design of fail-safe electrical circuits using both safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays.
• Hands‑on experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems using tools like multimeters, oscilloscopes, EMI probes.
• Proficiency in understanding and creating electrical schematics and single line diagrams (EPLAN preferred).
• Analog signal integrity and EMI reduction.
• Hands‑on experience designing and commissioning high quality electrical panels and electro‑mechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations in mind.
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL508A codes with ability to ensure compliance with control system safety standards.
• Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions and little supervision.
• Excited by a fast‑paced environment, strong desire and ability to learn quickly and adapt.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to meet mission critical deadlines.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Manufacturing Automation Engineer/Level I: $ - $/per year
Manufa…