Automation & Controls Technician, Infrastructure & Utility (Starship)

SpaceX
Starbase, TX
On-site

Who this role is best for

Strong fit for mid-level automation technicians who install and maintain SCADA systems in high-reliability environments and have experience with PLC and HMI applications.

Best fit for

  • Mid-level automation professionals with SCADA and PLC experience in industrial settings
    — “Install, configure, operate, and maintain various automation, control and SCADA systems
  • Candidates who can commission and troubleshoot control systems in high-stress production environments
    — “Configure and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications in a high-reliability production/launch environment
  • Individuals with a background in electrical and pneumatic schematic design and compliance standards
    — “Update, redline, and troubleshoot electrical and pneumatic schematics using in-house and 3rd-party tools

Things to consider

  • Must be able to work extended hours and weekends for launch operations
    — “Work extended hours and weekends as needed to support launch operations
  • On-call support required for 24/7 emergency response
    — “Provide 24/7 on-call support for emergencies
  • Job requires physical stamina to handle heavy lifting and work in extreme conditions
    — “Perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with Ignition HMI and ladder logic in resume and interviews
    — “Experience designing/developing HMI applications with Ignition
  • Emphasize hands-on troubleshooting and automation scripting skills in technical contexts
    — “Experience with C#, .NET, Python, and/or SQL for scripting and automation tasks
  • Showcase ability to maintain and document SCADA systems for operational clarity
    — “Maintain organized documentation for all Starbase SCADA systems
  • Demonstrate initiative in identifying automation opportunities and process improvements
    — “Audit manufacturing processes, identifying inefficiencies, safety improvements, and automation opportunities
  • Demonstrate training and mentoring experience to align with team development expectations
    — “Train and mentor junior technicians in automation and controls tasks
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Mid Level

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • Install and maintain automation and control systems
  • Support cross-functional teams
Typical background
3+ years of experience in industrial automation or controls

Skills & requirements

Required

AutomationScada SystemsPLC ProgrammingHMI ApplicationsIndustrial Electrical Control Panels

Preferred

NFPA 79/nec/ul 508A ComplianceIec-61131 ProgrammingModbusIgnition

Stack & domain

AutomationControlsScadaPLCHMITeamworkProblem-solvingISA CCSTNicetRockwell/allen-bradleySiemensSpaceRocketInfrastructure

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

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 AND CONTROLS TECHNICIAN, INFRASTRUCTURE & UTILITY (STARSHIP)

Join the Infrastructure Engineering team at SpaceX to pioneer the design, build, operation, and maintenance of critical power, HVAC, utility and fluids systems systems for Starship's launch, production, propellant generation, and the city of Starbase, TX. As a technician, 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. The position is based at Starbase, TX, with potential travel to other SpaceX facilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Install, configure, operate, and maintain various automation, control and SCADA systems for the infrastructure and utility systems that run Starbase, TX.

Support cross-functional teams on projects and contribute to rapid, continuous improvements at Starbase.

Assist with control and automation upgrades to scale systems for Starship's production rate targets.

Deploy and troubleshoot standardized automation for critical power and utility systems.

Maintain organized documentation for all Starbase SCADA systems.

Support ground-up automation and controls projects, including commissioning, testing, hand-off, and training.

Configure and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications in a high-reliability production/launch environment.

Update, redline, and troubleshoot electrical and pneumatic schematics using in-house and 3rd-party tools (EPLAN, Schematics, etc.).

Assemble and wire industrial electrical control panels that are NFPA 79/NEC/UL 508A compliant.

Install and maintain power systems controls and hardware in compliance with NFPA 70, 70B, 70E, NESC, and IEEE standards, prioritizing safety.

Create and update concise written and visual work instructions based on technical drawings and requirements.

Audit manufacturing processes, identifying inefficiencies, safety improvements, and automation opportunities.

Support development of SOWs and coordination of contractor work to enable the in-house build team to keep pace with production needs.

Train and mentor junior technicians in automation and controls tasks.

Proactively plan, prioritize, and execute weekly tasks to meet team objectives.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate. 

1+ years of hands-on experience installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining automation and controls systems.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES:

3+ years of professional experience in industrial automation or controls.

Relevant certifications (e.g., ISA CCST, NICET, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens).

Experience designing/developing HMI applications with Ignition.

Familiar with SEL, Allen Bradley and Siemens suite of control devices. 

Experience deploying and troubleshooting server/client SCADA applications.

Ability to read and interpret electrical one-line drawings, DC/AC schematics, and bills of materials.

Experience implementing control logic schemes (e.g., ladder logic) and basic network configurations.

Experience with IEC-61131 programming (ladder logic, structured text).

Experience with IT/OT network troubleshooting.

Familiarity with industrial communications protocols: Modbus, IEEE C37.115, IEEE C37.111, DNP3, etc.

Experience with electrical schematic CAD tools (EPLAN, AutoCAD, etc.).

Experience with C#, .NET, Python, and/or SQL for scripting and automation tasks.

Demonstrated initiative, creative problem-solving, and strong hands-on troubleshooting skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Strong organizational skills to prioritize, schedule, and implement solutions with minimal operational impact.

Proven ability to work independently or in teams in dynamic, high-stress environments with tight deadlines.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights.

Work extended hours and weekends as needed to support launch operations.

Remain focused in hazardous environments while wearing appropriate PPE.

Lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted.

Provide 24/7 on-call support for emergencies.

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.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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