Automation & Controls Engineer

About the role

Join the Asset Engineering team to build the machines and systems that manufacture Starship and Starshield hardware. You will work in an interdisciplinary environment to design, integrate, and maintain the automation equipment that powers our Hawthorne factory. This position places you at the intersection of mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines where your work will directly enable the production of next-generation aerospace systems. You will partner with mechanical engineers, technicians, and production staff to translate high-level requirements into robust automation solutions. The role demands curiosity, ownership, and a hands-on mentality to iterate quickly and solve complex problems under tight schedules. You will be responsible for ensuring that the automation systems you build are reliable, maintainable, and scalable for high-volume manufacturing. Success in this role requires a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical implementation skills to drive projects from concept to production.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the end-to-end development of manufacturing and test systems, focusing on electrical and software architecture.
• Create motion control and robotic solutions for production needs.
• Write and maintain clean, documented automation software.
• Build user interfaces and HMIs for machine operation and diagnostics.
• Design electrical and pneumatic systems for factory environments.
• Manage the assembly, integration, and validation of fluidic and electrical hardware.
• Connect manufacturing equipment to MES and SCADA systems.
• Troubleshoot existing systems and perform root cause analysis with cross-functional teams.
• Perform system qualification and validation activities to ensure compliance with internal standards.
• Support the development of test fixtures and custom automation for component-level validation.
• Collaborate with suppliers to evaluate and integrate new automation technologies.
• Analyze production data to identify optimization opportunities for equipment and processes.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians on best practices for automation design and implementation.
• Participate in on-call rotations to address critical production issues as they arise.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in engineering, computer science, physics, or a related field.
• 1+ years of experience in factory or industrial automation design.
• 1+ years of experience building robotic, electro-mechanical, or automated systems.
• Ability to stand, lift, and carry up to 30 lbs unassisted.
• Availability to work weekends and extended hours as needed.
• U.S. citizenship or eligible work authorization that does not require sponsorship for this role due to ITAR restrictions.
• Demonstrated capability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and basic fluid power principles.
• Willingness to follow detailed procedures and safety protocols in a manufacturing setting.
• Commitment to maintaining a clean and organized workspace to support quality and safety standards.
• Physical ability to use hand tools, diagnostic instruments, and test equipment safely.
• Willingness to travel within the facility and between teams as required for cross-functional collaboration.
• Readiness to adapt to changing priorities and shifting project requirements throughout the development cycle.
• Willingness to document work thoroughly to support knowledge transfer and continuous improvement.

Nice to have

• Experience with industrial robotics such as Fanuc, ABB, or Kuka.
• PLC programming proficiency using Siemens TIA Portal or Beckhoff TwinCat 3.
• Familiarity with C++, C#, Python, or similar high-level languages.
• Background in machine vision for inspection.
• Proficiency with multimeters, oscilloscopes, and electrical troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of fieldbus systems and network debugging.
• Experience with motion system sizing, including actuators, motors, and sensors.
• Understanding of NEC, NFPA, and IEC standards.

Skills & tools

• Electrical and software design
• Motion control and robotics
• PLC programming (SCL)
• SCADA and MES integration
• Pneumatic and fluidic system design

Practical notes

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Salary: Level I $100,000 to $115,000; Level II $110,000 to $135,000 per year.

• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, disability insurance, paid parental leave, and 3 weeks of vacation plus 10+ holidays.
• Compensation includes potential stock options, long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• ITAR compliance: Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to comply with U.S. export regulations.