Automation & Controls Technician (Starship)

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 TECHNICIAN (STARSHIP)

Working for the Automation & Controls team, the Automation & Controls Technician will be responsible for the installation and commissioning of new automation assets, panel builds and drawing updates. Additionally, the Automation & Controls Technician will occasionally assist maintenance with troubleshooting and repairs of existing assets.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Wire and commission Electrical and Pneumatic automated control systems
• Build control panels per schematics
• Work with external vendors to build and install panels
• Modify and update existing tooling
• Modify and troubleshoot simple PLC software
• Redline electrical and pneumatic schematics for automated tooling
• Own installations and perform early risk mitigation through daily communication with engineering, customers, and other concerned teams
• Promote 5s principles of organizing and sustaining efficient and presentable team workspaces

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent certificate
• Minimum 1 year of experience in a controls technician role or associate degree in automation & controls

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Occupational trade school qualification in an electrical based field preferred
• Strong knowledge of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 79 & UL508A codes
• Experience in a production environment, particularly as it relates to automation technology
• Demonstrable hands-on skill in fault finding, problem resolution
• Excellent mechanical aptitude
• Strong communication skills both written and oral. Ability to bring multiple departments with different priorities together and support them in achieving common goals
• Experience in building multiple panels, following drawing sets, back to back
• PLC & HMI programming experience
• Electrical schematic drawing experience
• Excellent skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Understanding of agile workflow and continuous improvement
• Demonstrated leadership experience, able to lead/supervise a team

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Available to work overtime and weekends when needed based on site operational needs; flexibility required
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, flashing lights, heat, cold, rain, and noise
• Occasional travel to other SpaceX or 3rd party facilities, up to 25%
• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings
• Ability to work at elevated heights (200+ feet)
• Ability to perform physical tasks such as climbing up and down stairs and/or ladders regularly throughout the day
• Ability to lift light weight supplies or materials (up to 25lbs unassisted)
• Stand: Up to 6 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 3 hours per day
• Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) 2 hours or longer per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 1 hour per day
• Walk: Up to 3 hours per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 2 hours or longer per day
• Climb (ladder/stairs): up to 3 hours 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: up to 3 hours per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description
• Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka 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 the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .