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 ofenabling 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 applicationsCommission devices using a variety of industrial communication protocolsConfigure, commission, and tune variable frequency drives (VFDs) for open and closed loop control system applicationsSet up and tune proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers for continuous processesMechanical integration :
Design systems that are robust to the mechanical stresses of Starship launchDesign electrical conveyanceGeneral responsibilities :
Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and carefully balance product specifications, process requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead-time limitsManage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, and conveyance installsSet, implement, and maintain schedules and budgets to ensure project completionDocument control system built for hand-off to pad operatorsBASIC QUALIFICATIONS :
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline1+ 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 systemsElectrical schematic computer-aided design (CAD) experienceMechanical CAD experiencePLC programming experienceHuman Machine Interface (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) development experienceExperience with industrial communication protocolsHands-on experience building and commissioning high-quality electro-mechanical systemsKnowledge of National Electric Code (NEC), UL508A codesExcellent communication skills, both written and verbalExperience in fast-paced iterative design and test environmentsProven track record of efficiently resolving complex problems under tight deadlinesStrong work ethic and relentless drive for successAbility to rapidly change roles and responsibilities within a fast-paced, dynamic work environmentFundamental understanding of engineering principles behind electronic equipment and instrumentationExperience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areasExperience tuning PID controllersExperience with electrical power distribution, working knowledge of NFPA 70 and NFPA 70EFirst-hand experience with programming and software developmentADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS :
Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, and working in cramped positions in small openingsOccasionally exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rainWork performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noiseAvailability to work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility is requiredAbility to travel to other SpaceX or 3rd party facilities (up to 20%)Stand : Up to 6 hours per daySit : Up to 6 hours per dayPush / Pull : Up to 50 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per dayOverhead reach : Up to 3 hours per dayWalk : Up to 10 hours per dayLift / Carry : Up to 25 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per dayClimb (ladder / stairs) : Up to 1 hour per dayKneel / Crouch : Up to 3 hours per dayUpper body twist : Up to 3 hours per dayAbility to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per dayCandidate 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 toEEOCompliance@spacex.com .
