Automation & Controls Engineer

About the role

You will design, integrate, and commission motion-controlled systems and safety logic for 3D additive printers. This role supports the Raptor engine manufacturing process, ensuring production rates meet the needs for Starship missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Manage automation projects from initial concept through machine commissioning and final hand-off to operations.
• Architect and maintain organized, documented, and reusable PLC code for high-volume manufacturing.
• Create simple HMI screens to assist operators with machine monitoring and troubleshooting.
• Ensure factory safety by implementing systems compliant with OSHA, ANSI, and RIA15.06 standards.
• Design electrical systems that meet NEC, NFPA, and UL508A regulations.
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical and electronic components under tight production deadlines.
• Develop training materials for engineering and technician staff.
• Manage project budgets and schedules while coordinating team efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in a STEM discipline or computer science.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in factory or industrial automation commissioning and design.
• Must meet ITAR requirements: U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Nice to have

• Proficiency in at least two of the following: Electrical, Electronics, or Industrial Software.
• Experience with EPLAN for electrical schematics.
• Knowledge of Fieldbus, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Profisafe, or Modbus TCP.
• Experience with KiCad, Altium, Eagle, or Xpedition for PCB layout and schematic capture.
• Familiarity with LTspice, SIMetrix, or similar simulation tools.
• Experience with Schneider Electric Machine Expert and Altivar VFDs.
• Experience building SCADA systems using Inductive Automation Ignition, MQTT, and OPC-UA.

Skills & tools

• Electrical: Motor sizing, VFDs, fail-safe circuits, multimeters, oscilloscopes, EMI probes.
• Electronics: Analog/digital/mixed-signal circuit design, signal conditioning, microcontrollers, FPGAs, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers.
• Software: PLC programming, machine safety software, industrial communication protocols.

Practical notes

• Compensation: Level I ($100,000 - $115,000) or Level II ($110,000 - $135,000) based on experience.
• Benefits: Medical, vision, dental, 401(k), life insurance, disability insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks vacation, 10+ paid holidays, and paid sick leave.
• Incentives: Eligible for stock options, company stock, long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Expectations: Ability to work long hours and weekends to support critical production milestones.