Automation & Controls Engineer (Raptor Manufacturing Systems)

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

AUTOMATION CONTROLS ENGINEER (RAPTOR MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS)

As an Automation Controls Engineer for 3D additive printers supporting Raptor, you will be directly responsible for the design, integration, wiring, and commissioning of safety logic and motion-controlled systems. As a member of this team, you will play a critical role in delivering these advanced printers at the scale required to meet Starship’s production rate goals and enable humans to reach the Moon, Mars, beyond

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design, develop, and manage automation projects - this includes initial design ideation, machine commissioning and proof of rate capability, and eventual hand-off to operational teams

Develop training programs for technicians and engineers

Architect, write, and debug PLC code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable for high-volume manufacturing applications

Keep our factory safe and reliable by implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems

Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens to make complex machines easy to understand, operate, and troubleshoot

Design electrical systems compliant with NEC, NFPA, UL508A regulations

Troubleshoot, root cause, and repair electronics, and electrical components issues on an aggressive production schedule.

Stay organized by creating schedules and budgets, and then motivate the team to achieve them

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science or STEM discipline

1+ years of experience in industrial or factory automation design and commissioning

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Excited by a quick and iterative design and manufacturing role

Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions in both design and implementation stages

Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, 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/RIA15.06/OSHA safety requirements to keep a factory safe

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

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 (EPLAN preferred)

Familiar with Fieldbus networks, serial communication, and Ethernet communication preferably Modbus TCP, Profinet, Profisafe, Ethernet/IP

Hands-on experience designing and commissioning high quality electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations in mind

Knowledge of NEC, IEC, NFPA, UL508A codes with ability to ensure compliance with control system safety standards

Electronics

Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot, root cause, and repair electronics and electrical component issues on aggressive production schedules, with a track record of driving design or process improvements to prevent recurrence

Proficiency with electrical test equipment, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, logic analyzers, and spectrum analyzers

Experience designing analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuits

Experience with analog signal chains, signal conditioning circuits, or hardware filter design

Experience with Ethernet, network switches, microcontrollers, FPGAs, memory devices, or general networking concepts

Experience with digital signal processing, analog control loops, or control loop stability analysis

Experience with schematic capture and PCB layout software (KiCad, Altium Designer, Eagle, or Xpedition)

Experience with electrical simulation tools (LTspice, SIMetrix, or similar)

Familiarity with best practices for low-noise design and EMI/EMC mitigation in PCB layouts

Industrial Software

Experience with PLC programming, preferably using Schneider Electric Machine Expert

Experience with variable frequency drives (VFDs), preferably Schneider Electric Altivar

Experience programming and implementing machine safety software and safety systems

Experience developing SCADA systems using Inductive Automation Ignition and IoT solutions with MQTT and OPC-UA, with a focus on intuitive user interfaces and machine health monitoring

Experience integrating industrial software with mechanical assemblies, electric…