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Automation & Controls Specialist, Tool & Die – 2nd Shift

Bastrop, TX
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

AUTOMATION & CONTROLS SPECIALIST, TOOL & DIE

One of the most ambitious missions SpaceX has undertaken, the Starlink satellite constellation, is our solution to providing reliable, high-speed internet to the entire world - including rural communities and areas with little or no connectivity. We are looking for talented Automation & Controls Specialists to help design, build, integrate, commission, and continuously improve automation systems that support our tool and die shop.

Our tool and die shop makes the molds (dies) that are used to produce high volume components for Starlink User Terminal and other programs. This role is responsible for delivering safe, innovative, and reliable automation assets that drive quality, throughput, and cost targets. It is an ideal next career step if you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, enjoy solving difficult technical problems with high impact, and love building and optimizing systems from the ground up.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Integrate, commission, and troubleshoot electromechanical automation systems, collaborating closely with engineering to deliver production-ready solutions
  • Develop and build new automation solutions while improving existing assets to meet evolving production requirements
  • Read and use system-level schematics (electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic)
  • Design, build, and wire industrial control panels to NFPA 79 and UL 508A standards
  • Design, implement, and commission PLC and HMI software applications using ladder logic and structured text
  • Specify and procure components, sensors, actuators, and hardware required for control system implementation
  • Implement corrective actions and robust preventative maintenance processes
  • Develop and maintain automation standards that improve consistency, reliability, uptime, and safety
  • Maintain production areas by enforcing proper workflow, 5S principles, safety, tidiness, and inventory control

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate and 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing and production environment; OR bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
  • 2+ years of professional experience in a hands-on automation or controls environment in manufacturing

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Hands-on experience with PLC and HMI programming (Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley RSLogix/Logix5000, or similar)
  • Experience designing, building, and troubleshooting industrial control panels and automation systems
  • Working knowledge of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 70E, NFPA 79, and UL 508A standards
  • Experience reading and creating electrical/pneumatic schematics using EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical, Visio, NX, or SolidWorks

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be willing to work the following hours:
    • 2nd shift: Monday to Friday from 3:30pm to 2:00am
  • Able to work overtime and weekends as needed to support critical production milestones
  • Must be able to acquire forklift certification
  • Standing for long periods, climbing ladders, bending, grasping, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
  • Able to travel for business trips as needed (up to 25%)

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. Section 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 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.

About SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX is one of the most influential aerospace companies in the world, transforming space launch, satellite communications, and deep-space transportation. Founded by Elon Musk, SpaceX designs and manufactures advanced rockets and spacecraft, including Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship, alongside the Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet constellation. The company plays a major role in U.S. space access, national security launch capabilities, and commercial space infrastructure.

For job seekers, SpaceX offers opportunities across some of the most demanding engineering disciplines in the industry, including aerospace engineering, propulsion, software development, avionics, manufacturing, robotics, materials science, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, technicians, and builders who want to work in a high-intensity environment focused on rapid iteration, vertical integration, and hands-on hardware development at scale.

Unlike traditional aerospace contractors that rely heavily on long development cycles, SpaceX operates with a fast-paced, vertically integrated engineering culture where teams design, build, test, and fly systems in rapid succession. Employees often work directly on flight hardware and production systems, contributing to programs that routinely push the boundaries of reusability, launch frequency, and cost reduction in space access.

As global demand for satellite communications, space infrastructure, and national security launch services continues to grow, SpaceX remains one of the most important employers in aerospace and defense-adjacent technology. For professionals seeking a highly challenging, mission-driven career at the cutting edge of spaceflight and advanced engineering, SpaceX stands out as one of the most ambitious and impactful companies in the world.

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