Automation & Controls Engineer (Launch Hardware)

$100,000 - $120,000/Yr

SpaceX - Cape Canaveral, FL

Full-time - Entry Level

Cape Canaveral, FL

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Automation & Controls Engineer (Launch Hardware) at SpaceX is responsible for the design, operation, installation, and testing of low-power electrical systems at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Base. This multi-disciplinary role involves working within a small team to enhance mechanical, electrical, and control systems crucial for rocket launches, contributing directly to the success of future missions.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the ground support control and instrumentation systems that operate the fueling and operation of the launch vehicle/spacecraft to support launch day activities
• Directly involved with all cape ground support equipment (GSE) build, checkouts, and troubleshooting
• Operate, upgrade, and maintain all data acquisition system hardware at launch and support sites
• Control and maintain network infrastructure interfaces to data acquisition systems
• Build and design junction boxes and conveyances for end instruments
• Create electrical schematics for new instrumentation
• Use electrical equipment in the field to verify the functionality of end instruments
• Maintain systems through a preventative maintenance program
• Address physical installation issues and wear/tear/corrosion of electrical components
• Write procedures to address both routine tasks as well as off-nominal troubleshooting steps
• Provide innovative solutions to special requirements and challenges faced by the team, which can range from specialized equipment to challenging installation locations and blast environments
• Perform basic electrical installation of valves, limit switches, potentiometers, etc.
• Design, build, and operate servo motor controls

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience with instrumentation power systems design and/or data acquisition systems
• 1+ years of experience with low-power systems and/or direct current (DC) circuits or filters

Nice-to-haves

• Proficiency or direct hands-on experience in electronics test rack design and build, data acquisition setup and field measurements
• Experience in robotics, automotive, aircraft, marine, autonomous vehicles, RF or communication systems, power plant or chemical process type industrial systems
• Experience with electrical test equipment: oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies
• Able to collaborate with a wide range of people and effectively work in a team
• Able to perform in a high-pressure, dynamic environment
• Able to juggle a multitude of tasks simultaneously
• Enjoys field work and getting hands dirty
• Experience working at a rocket launch facility and supporting launch campaigns
• Proficient in Python, SQL, HTML, Java, and MS Excel
• Experience with Modbus
• Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLC)

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Short & long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Various discounts and perks
• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• 10 or more paid holidays per year
• 5 days of sick leave per year
• Long-term incentives in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards
• Potential discretionary bonuses
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan allowing purchase of additional stock at a discount