Automation & Controls Engineer, Infrastructure & Utility (Starship)

Role Overview

Join the Infrastructure Engineering team at SpaceX to pioneer the design, build, operation, and maintenance of critical power, HVAC, utility, and fluids systems for Starship's launch, production, propellant generation, and the city of Starbase, TX. As an engineer, you'll work with a team to scale high-capacity infrastructure for the world's most powerful rocket, ensuring seamless energy and commodity for groundbreaking missions.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, operate, and maintain automation, control, and SCADA systems for ground infrastructure and utility systems that run Starbase, TX.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, lead projects, and drive rapid, continuous improvements at Starbase.
• Manage control and automation upgrades to dynamically scale systems for Starship's production rate targets.
• Develop and deploy standardized automation for critical power and utility systems.
• Maintain organized documentation for all Starbase SCADA systems.
• Design, develop, deploy, and manage ground-up automation and controls projects, including initial trades, commissioning, hand-off, and training.
• Design and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications in a high-reliability production/launch environment.
• Design, redline, modify, and correct electrical and pneumatic schematics using in-house and third-party tools.
• Design new industrial electrical control panels that are NFPA 79/NEC/UL 508A compliant.
• Develop power systems controls and hardware in compliance with NFPA 70, 70B, 70E, NESC, and IEEE standards.
• Create and update concise written and visual instructions from design reviews, technical drawings, and requirement documentation.
• Audit manufacturing processes, assessing inefficiencies, safety improvements, and automation opportunities.
• Develop SOWs, negotiate, and release contractor work to enable the in-house build team to keep pace with production needs.
• Mentor and lead a team of engineers and technicians on automation and controls projects.
• Proactively plan, prioritize, and execute weekly tasks to meet team objectives.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or another engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience designing, analyzing, and working on automation and control systems (internships and school projects qualify).

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 3+ years of professional experience in a similar role.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license (or intention to pursue).
• Experience designing and developing HMI applications with Ignition.
• Familiarity with SEL, Allen Bradley, and Siemens suite of control devices.
• Experience developing and deploying server/client SCADA applications.
• Ability to analyze electrical one-line drawings, DC/AC schematics, and bills of materials.
• Experience designing control logic schemes and network configurations.
• Experience with IEC-61131 programming.
• Experience with IT/OT network design and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with industrial communications protocols and networking (Modbus, IEEE C37.115, IEEE C37.111, DNP3, etc.).
• Electrical schematic CAD experience using EPlan, AutoCAD, etc.
• Experience with C#, .NET, Python, and/or SQL.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters, or at heights.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support launch operations.
• Ability to remain focused in hazardous environments while wearing appropriate PPE.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.
• Provide 24/7 on-call support for emergencies.
• Must meet ITAR requirements (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee).