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Automation & Controls Engineer, Launch Pad (Starship)

SpaceX· Launch Fluids Engineering - Starbase
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Starbase, TXFull-timePosted 1mo ago

About the role

Automation & Controls Engineer to develop and build launch and test systems for Starship, focusing on electrical control systems for the launch mount, integration tower, and orbital propellant farm, including I/O, motion systems, drive controls, and supporting infrastructure.

Responsibilities

  • Architect, design, integrate, and commission control systems for the Starship launch pads
  • Design industrial electrical control panels that are NFPA 79/NEC/UL 508A compliant
  • Design control and data acquisition systems
  • Design and author electrical schematics
  • Design electrical conveyance and distribution systems (e.g., raceways, cables, wiring methods)
  • Work closely with other disciplines; interface control systems with high-power equipment and communication equipment
  • Design electrical systems for hazardous environments
  • Architect, write, and debug PLC code with emphasis on maintainable, reusable code
  • Configure, commission, and tune VFDs for open- and closed-loop control
  • Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens for complex machinery with troubleshooting feedback
  • Commission devices using various industrial communication protocols
  • Set up and tune PID controllers for continuous processes
  • Add detail for electrical assemblies to CAD models to plan installation (cable tray, conduit, panel mounting)
  • Design systems robust to mechanical stresses of Starship launch
  • Participate in initial equipment conceptual development balancing specs, layout, cost, and lead-time
  • Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, and conveyance installs
  • Set, implement, and maintain schedules and budgets for project completion
  • Document control system built for handoff to pad operators

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience in design and commissioning of control systems for industrial applications (internship qualifies)

Skills

Required:Electrical system design and integrationElectrical schematicsIndustrial electrical panels (NFPA 79/NEC/UL 508A)PLC programmingVFD configuration and tuningHMI designIndustrial communication protocolsPID control tuning
Nice to have:CAD integration (electrical assemblies)Hazardous environments design (NFPA 70/IEC equivalents)Electrical power distribution knowledgeIndustrial bus protocols
Last updated Sep 2, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

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