Automation & Controls Engineer, Solar (Starlink)

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, 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/RIA15.06/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: EtherCAT, 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