Automation & Controls Engineer

About the role

Join the Starlink Tooling and Automation team to develop and implement advanced manufacturing solutions for high-volume satellite production. You will contribute to building the factory of the future, maximizing Starlink's global reach and impact. This role involves working with a dedicated team on high-impact applications.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design, construct, validate, and deploy projects encompassing machine design, robotics, and manufacturing processes from initial concept to production.
• Develop, write, and debug PLC code.
• Implement vision systems for guiding robots, ensuring quality, and collecting data.
• Create systems for process control and factory performance tracking, collaborating with other teams to enhance manufacturing efficiency through data.
• Design user interfaces that simplify the operation and troubleshooting of complex machinery.
• Produce electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics for control panels.
• Ensure factory safety by implementing systems compliant with ANSI/RIA15.06 and OSHA standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or a related STEM field.
• 1+ years of experience in designing and commissioning automation and control systems within a manufacturing setting (internships and project work count).

Nice to have

• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems with straightforward solutions and minimal supervision.
• Eagerness to thrive in a fast-paced environment, with a strong desire and capacity for rapid learning and adaptation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Practical experience in at least one of the following areas, with an interest in learning others:
• Industrial Automation: Automation hardware (PLCs, COTS Robots, servo motion, machine vision, distributed IO, pneumatic controls), Field Bus Networking protocols (EtherCAT, PROFINET, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU), Machinery and processes (dispenser, pick and place, fastener installation, automated bonding, thermo-compression, soldering, ultrasonic welding, temperature & position control, injection molders, die casters) and design for manufacturing, Applied Statistical Process Control and other data tools (descriptive, inferential, regression, correlation) for manufacturing process improvement, Safely testing and commissioning integrated systems.
• Software: PLC programming (preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text, state machines, applying Object Oriented Programming to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, pneumatics/hydraulics), Robotics programming (preferably ABB Rapid), HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), SQL, C#, .NET, Python, Industrial machine vision (Cognex Vision Pro preferred, Halcon & OpenCV acceptable).
• Electrical: Electrical sizing of motors, cables, circuit protection, VFDs, motor starters, and various motion systems, Design of fail-safe electrical circuits using safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays, Hands-on troubleshooting of industrial electrical systems with tools like multimeters, oscilloscopes, EMI probes, Proficiency in understanding and creating electrical schematics and single line diagrams (EPLAN preferred), Analog signal integrity and EMI reduction, Hands-on experience designing and commissioning high-quality electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations, Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL508A codes and ability to ensure control system safety standard compliance.

Skills & tools

• PLCs
• COTS Robots
• Servo motion
• Machine vision
• Distributed IO
• Pneumatic controls
• EtherCAT
• PROFINET
• Ethernet/IP
• Modbus TCP/RTU
• Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text
• ABB Rapid
• HMI
• SCADA
• IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA)
• SQL
• C#
• .NET
• Python
• Cognex Vision Pro
• Halcon
• OpenCV
• EPLAN
• Multimeters
• Oscilloscopes
• EMI probes

Practical notes

This role may require working extended hours or weekends as needed. The salary range for an Automation & Controls Engineer/Level I is $100,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year, and for Level II is $110,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year. Actual compensation will depend on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Total rewards include potential long-term incentives (stock or cash awards), discretionary bonuses, an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and other benefits. Employees accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and receive 10+ paid holidays annually. Washington State employees also accrue paid sick time. Company shuttles are available for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the Redmond office Monday through Friday. To comply with U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, a U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or an Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or eligible to obtain required authorizations.