SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

LAUNCH CONTROLS ENGINEER

SpaceX's Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket (collectively referred to as Starship) represent a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Starship will be the world's most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, with the ability to carry over 100 metric tons to Earth orbit.

We are looking for an engineer to design, integrate, and commission Starship Launch Pad control systems. This role will be focused on electrical control system design for the orbital propellant farm, including input/output (I/O) systems, drive controls, and supporting infrastructure. The engineer will be challenged to own the design and build of a launch control system capable of supporting the ambitious goals of the Starship program.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Electrical systems:

Design, integrate, and commission control systems for Starship Launch pads
Design industrial electrical control panels that are NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant
Design electrical schematics
Interface control systems with high-power equipment and communication equipment
Design electrical systems for safe operation in hazardous environments

Control software:

Design, write, and debug programmable logic controller (PLC) code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable for similar applications
Commission devices using a variety of industrial communication protocols
Configure, commission, and tune variable frequency drives (VFDs) for open and closed loop control system applications
Set up and tune proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers for continuous processes

Mechanical integration:

Design systems that are robust to the mechanical stresses of Starship launch
Design electrical conveyance

General responsibilities:

Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and carefully balance product specifications, process requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead-time limits
Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, and conveyance installs
Set, implement, and maintain schedules and budgets to ensure project completion
Document control system built for hand-off to pad operators

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
1+ years of experience in the design and commissioning of control systems (internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience designing and integrating various industrial control systems
Electrical schematic computer-aided design (CAD) experience
Mechanical CAD experience
PLC programming experience
Human Machine Interface (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) development experience
Experience with industrial communication protocols
Hands-on experience building and commissioning high-quality electro-mechanical systems
Knowledge of National Electric Code (NEC), UL508A codes
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Experience in fast-paced iterative design and test environments
Proven track record of efficiently resolving complex problems under tight deadlines
Strong work ethic and relentless drive for success
Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities within a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
Fundamental understanding of engineering principles behind electronic equipment and instrumentation
Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas
Experience tuning PID controllers
Experience with electrical power distribution, working knowledge of NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E
First-hand experience with programming and software development

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, and working in cramped positions in small openings
Occasionally exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain
Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
Availability to work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility is required
Ability to travel to other SpaceX or 3rd party facilities (up to 20%)
Stand: Up to 6 hours per day
Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
Push/Pull: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day
Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
Lift/Carry: Up to ≤ 25 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 1 hour per day
Kneel/Crouch: Up to 3 hours per day
Upper body twist: Up to 3 hours per day
Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees for 6 hours or more per day
Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

Launch Controls Engineer