Sr. Automation & Controls Engineer (Starship) - job 1 of 2

As a Sr. Automation & Controls Engineer at SpaceX, your primary responsibilities include designing and managing automation projects, writing and debugging PLC code, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and creating intuitive HMI screens. You'll play a key role in the integration of advanced systems that enhance the production capabilities of the Starship program, making sure that everything runs smoothly and safely.

To qualify for the Sr. Automation & Controls Engineer position at SpaceX, candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or computer science along with at least five years of relevant experience in industrial automation design. Preferred qualifications include experience with motion systems, CAD tools, and compliance with safety regulations, making a strong engineering background essential for success in this role.

At SpaceX, safety is paramount, especially in roles like Sr. Automation & Controls Engineer. Engineers are required to implement ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA-compliant systems for robots and other manufacturing equipment. Your role will involve designing fail-safe electrical circuits and safety logic systems that ensure a secure working environment while pushing the limits of innovation.

In addition to the basic qualifications, preferred skills for a Sr. Automation & Controls Engineer at SpaceX include experience in iterative design processes, creative problem-solving abilities, proficiency in PLC programming, and familiarity with HMI and SCADA development. Candidates with an understanding of robotics, electrical sizing, and various safety standards will stand out.

The working environment at SpaceX for a Sr. Automation & Controls Engineer is dynamic and fast-paced, situated in our state-of-the-art facilities in Hawthorne, CA. Engineers collaborate across teams in an innovative atmosphere that focuses on the production of the Starship. The role may require extended hours to meet critical milestones, highlighting SpaceX’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration.

When discussing your experience with PLC programming, be specific about the languages you’ve used, such as Siemens SIMATIC structured text programming. Highlight particular projects where your code contributed to efficient automation solutions, and mention any challenges you encountered and overcame.

Start by mentioning your familiarity with NEC, NFPA, and UL codes. Discuss your process for ensuring safety through fail-safe designs while providing examples of past projects where you successfully implemented compliant systems in manufacturing environments.

Share specific approaches, such as setting clear goals, acknowledging contributions, and ensuring open communication. Highlight the importance of fostering a collaborative atmosphere that drives creativity and engagement among team members.

Discuss a specific example where you identified a challenging issue, your thought process in developing a solution, and how you executed it. Emphasize the impact it had on the team or project outcomes, demonstrating your problem-solving skills.

Enumerate your hands-on experience with various motion systems, mentioning any specific machinery or technologies you’ve worked with. Including examples of how these systems were integrated or improved in past projects can strengthen your answer.

Explain your design philosophy focusing on the user's perspective. Mention your process for gathering user feedback and testing designs to ensure they are intuitive. Providing specific examples of successful designs can add credibility to your approach.

Discuss the importance of following industry regulations and standards in your designs. Provide examples of safety mechanisms you’ve implemented in previous projects and how you ensured that your designs met compliance requirements.

Detail your experience with specific CAD tools, such as Siemens NX, emphasizing your ability to create detailed designs and drawings. Mention how you utilized product lifecycle management to streamline design processes and collaboration across teams.

Share an anecdote about a specific project that required dedication and the results of your hard work. Emphasize your commitment to the role while demonstrating how you effectively managed time and the tasks at hand during those long hours.

Discuss your strategies for professional development, such as attending conferences, pursuing additional certifications, or participating in online courses. This shows your enthusiasm for staying current and bringing innovative approaches to the role.