Automation & Controls Engineer (Optical Products)

About the position

The Starlink space lasers team develops automated manufacturing and testing solutions for the most cutting-edge satellite communication systems in the world. We are looking for an innovative and experienced automation and controls engineer to drive complex automated manufacturing and testing problems to resolution. On the space lasers test team, you will design and deploy production automation assets to both manufacture and test optical payloads for satellites. Our engineers are endlessly curious, love to learn and try out new things, and work collaboratively across disciplines in a dynamic environment with changing needs as we strive to deliver high-impact technology on a global scale.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and commission automated processes and production cells in high volume manufacturing environments.
• Own development of factory automation software which controls process flow, monitors factory health and minimizes factory downtime.
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams on the space lasers team to ensure products are designed for automated production and reliability.
• Keep our factory safe and reliable by implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment.
• Design sensor systems to monitor processes, ensure operator safety, and track factory status and performance.
• Interface with vendor hardware software to integrate them into the factory workflow.
• Design user interfaces that make complex machines easy to control and troubleshoot.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, or computer science or related STEM field.
• 1+ years of experience in design and/or commissioning of automation, robotic cells, factory floor layouts, controls systems, or complex system architecture, especially within micro-electronics, automotive or aerospace industries.
• Programming experience in any of the following: C/C++/Python/Ladder Logic or Structured Text.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with SECS/GEM protocols.
• Experience with micro-electronics assembly machinery and processes.
• PLC programming experience.
• Experience with robotics, motion control, object-oriented programming (OOP), state machines, image processing, data engineering, vision inspection, various sensors, and/or internet of things (IoT).
• Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience.
• Field bus networks, serial communication and Ethernet communication.
• Exposure to a wide variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (vision systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, nut-runners, etc.).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong desire and ability to learn quickly, adapt and innovate.

Benefits

• Base salary range for Automation & Controls Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year.
• Base salary range for Automation & Controls Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year.
• Eligibility for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards.
• Potential discretionary bonuses.
• Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short & long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Various other discounts and perks.
• Accrual of 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• Eligibility for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• 5 days of sick leave per year for exempt employees.
• Company shuttles offered for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.