Job Description
<div class="content-intro"><p>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.</p></div><p><strong>AUTOMATION ENGINEER, BLADES AND VANES FOUNDRY</strong></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Power generation poses a key challenge that could slow the worldwide adoption of AI. The Blades and Vanes Investment Casting Manufacturing Team produces components for power generation using investment casting to create equiaxed, directionally solidified, and single-crystal components that excel under the most demanding operating conditions. As an automation engineer at SpaceX, you will apply first principles thinking to design, develop, and maintain core control systems at the cutting edge of investment casting and other manufacturing processes. This includes integrating PLC/SCADA with advanced manufacturing and energy systems for physics-driven optimization of production processes, as well as developing scalable systems for functionality enhancements, quality inspection, and real-time process optimization.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559685":360,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><strong>RESPONSIBILITIES:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Integrate electromechanical and mechatronic systems with critical investment casting equipment, including wax injectors, ceramic injectors, preheating, melting, and controlled solidification furnaces</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Design and develop manufacturing data systems from concept to production, analyzing equipment KPI trends, conducting reliability analysis to create scalable systems for production output, quality inspection, real-time process optimization, and maintenance strategies to enhance equipment uptime and reliability</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Implement solutions for data collection/storage, using Python/SQL to interface with MES and production databases, while incorporating sensor data for real-time condition monitoring and fault prediction</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Create and optimize HMI/SCADA/MES interfaces; conduct in-house technology exploration; and integrate predictive analytics for equipment health monitoring</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276,"335559991":360}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and carefully balance product specifications, process requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead-time limits</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276,"335559991":360}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Lay out new industrial electrical control panels that are NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant and create electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276,"335559991":360}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Architect, write, and debug PLC code, emphasizing generating organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable code for manufacturing applications</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276,"335559991":360}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Implement (ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant) control reliable safety systems for safeguarding robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276,"335559991":360}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Select and size electrical and electromechanical components such as servo motors and controllers</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276,"335559991":360}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, pneumatic, and fluid plumbing </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276,"335559991":360}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Bachelor's degree in an engineering, physics, or computer science discipline</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">1+ years of experience in the design and commissioning of automation and control systems for industrial applications</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Proficiency in industrial systems, including configuring control networks (Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, BACnet, Serial Communication)</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with multiple PLC systems (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, etc.)</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with programming ABB mechatronic systems</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276,"335559991":360}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with electrical schematics using ePLAN for circuits and power distribution</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Exposure to a wide variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (vision systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, Nut-Runners, etc.)</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276,"335559991":360}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Hands-on experience in manufacturing settings, solving complex problems using data and customized solutions. Proven results that have improved equipment reliability and reduced downtime </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276,"335559991":360}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Proficiency in Python and SQL, with experience applying these to analyze sensor data for equipment reliability analysis and predictive modeling</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Hands-on experience troubleshooting and fixing electro-mechanical devices, using hand tools, diagnostic tools (e.g., multimeters, vibration analyzers), and techniques for condition-based monitoring</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276,"335559991":360}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Proven interpersonal skills and ability to objectively resolve conflict within a large group</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276,"335559991":360}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Ability to work flexible hours and schedules as required, with a passion for tackling challenging engineering problems and a drive to innovate and grow in a dynamic, high-impact environment</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276,"335559991":360}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience in fast-paced iterative design and manufacturing environments</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276,"335559991":360}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience solving complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276,"335559991":360}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical milestones</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276,"335559991":360}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Must be willing to travel (up to 10%)</span></li>
</ul><div class="content-conclusion"><p><strong>ITAR REQUIREMENTS:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>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 <a href="https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987">here</a>. </li>
</ul>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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 <a href="mailto:EEOCompliance@spacex.com">EEOCompliance@spacex.com</a><em>. </em></p></div>
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