Build Specialist, Automation & Controls (Starship Launch Pad) Verified today

SpaceX · Starbase, TX · Space Systems · first seen 2026-07-22

About this role

The Starship Tower and Launch Mount team is looking for controls build specialists to help make the next generation of launch pads a reality. This role focuses on bridging the gap between detailed design and activations: developing installation plans for conveyances and cable routing, building supply chain for commonly used parts, providing field support, and feeding lessons learned back to the design team.

The systems you will work on are designed to interface with next-generation Starship vehicles, catch both stages, and enable rapid automated flight cadence with no manual actions between launches.

Your responsibilities

Create work instructions for integration of electrical and controls systems and their related secondary structures
Identify tricky designs that create manufacturing difficulties and propose process improvements
Provide production support: rapidly disposition issue tickets, work with engineers to define requirements and standard repairs
Troubleshoot electrical and controls systems
Select, modify and maintain equipment needed for tests and fabrication projects
Onboard new machinery and equipment to increase build efficiency
Document build processes
Pursue initiatives to streamline design-to-hardware delivery, including supply chain, planning, technician communication, test plans, tooling, checkouts and data review

Basic qualifications

High school diploma or equivalency certificate
2+ years of experience in mechanical, fluid or electrical disciplines

Preferred skills and experience

Proficiency in writing and interpreting planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints and engineering sketches
Ability to install and use instrumentation including strain gages, pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, RTDs, accelerometers and analog circuitry
Ability to fabricate and repair cable harnesses: soldering, crimping, assembling connectors
Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities in high-paced, challenging environments
Ability to solve complex problems with minimal supervision on tight schedules

Physical requirements

Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
Ability to work at elevated heights up to 500 feet
Stand: up to 10 hours per day
Sit: up to 6 hours per day
Walk: up to 10 hours per day
Climb (ladder/stairs): up to 10 hours per day
Overhead reach: up to 6 hours per day
Push/Pull: up to 75 lbs (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
Lift/Carry: up to 50 lbs (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
Kneel/Crouch: up to 3 hours per day
Upper body twist: up to 3 hours per day
Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per day
Capable of safely working at heights (up to 500 ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, and operating heavy equipment and machinery
May be required to complete pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review

ITAR requirement

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (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 required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.