Automation & Controls Engineer, Solar (Starlink) Verified today

SpaceX · Redmond, WA · Space Systems · first seen 2026-08-05

Role

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 and co-ops apply).

Preferred Qualifications

Hands-on experience with at least one of the following areas:

Industrial Automation:

Automation Hardware: PLCs, COTS robots, servo motion, machine vision, distributed IO, pneumatic controls.
Field Bus Networking protocols: EtherCAT, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU.
Machinery and processes: dispenser, pick and place, fastener installation, automated bonding, thermo-compression, soldering, ultrasonic welding, temperature and position control, injection molders, die casters and design for manufacturing.
Applied Statistical Process Control and data tools to improve manufacturing processes.
Safely testing and commissioning integrated systems.

Software:

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

Electrical:

Electrical sizing of motors, cables, circuit protection, VFDs, motor starters and various motion systems.
Design of fail-safe electrical circuits using safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays.
Hands-on troubleshooting of industrial electrical systems using 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.
Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL508A codes and control system safety standards compliance.
Ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions and little supervision.
Excited by a fast-paced environment with strong desire and ability to learn quickly and adapt.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Additional Requirements

Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to meet mission-critical deadlines.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Compensation

Pay Range:

Level 1: $100,000 - $117,500
Level 2: $115,000 - $140,000

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education and experience.

Base salary is one part of your total rewards package. You may be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will receive access to comprehensive medical, vision and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave and various discounts and perks. You will accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.