Automation & Controls Specialist, Solar Cell Manufacturing (Starlink)
SpaceX is becoming a world leader in electronics manufacturing in the heart of Texas. The Automation & Controls Specialist for the Solar Cell Manufacturing facility will be responsible for troubleshooting complex controls issues within existing SpaceX critical assets, with the focus on adding long-term repairs that increase the overall reliability of production systems, rather than implementing quick-fix solutions. Additionally, the Automation & Controls Specialist will be responsible for assisting in the design of new controls components and integrating with vendor-provided equipment. The Automation & Controls Specialist makes data-driven decisions and is skilled in both hands-on electrical and controls software. This includes servicing and building industrial control panels, robotic and electromechanical controls systems, and PLC, HMI, and SCADA development.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Integrate vendor/OEM equipment into centralized SCADA software (Ignition) for advanced line control
- Maximize the uptime of all automation assets on our advanced manufacturing lines
- Develop data analysis tools to root-cause the largest downtime sources and propose long-term fixes
- Specify and procure required components, sensors, and hardware needed for implementing controls solutions
- Wire, commission, and validate electromechanical and pneumatic control systems
- Design and commission basic PLC and HMI software applications, and additions to existing systems
- Interpret and develop logic for Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens TIA, and Allen-Bradley RS Logix
- Read, understand, and utilize system-level schematics (mechanical/electrical/pneumatic/hydraulic)
- Support production devices (HMIs, VM's, Thin Clients, IoT devices)
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 experience working with mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic systems
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Associate or bachelor's degree in engineering, math, or science discipline
- Demonstrated hands-on skill in fault finding, mechanical system troubleshooting, and solid problem resolution skills
- Highly motivated with strong interpersonal skills; a team player, yet able to work independently when necessary
- Exceptional problem solving and communication skills, creative, and has strong organizational skills as well as documentation
- Strong, working knowledge of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety), NFPA 79 & UL508A codes
- PLC and HMI programming experience or familiarization using ladder logic and structured text (Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens TIA, and Allen-Bradley RS Logix)
- Mechanical equipment design/build experience
- Experience with electrical control panel design, building, and wiring
- Electrical schematic drawing/updates
- Excellent skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Detail oriented, organized, and able to demonstrate a high sense of urgency
- Ability to read and interpret electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics and drawings
- Analytical skills - skilled at gathering and analyzing information to understand complex situations and solve problems
- Ability to maintain a safe and clean working environment while adhering to company policies, quality policies, and industry standards
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Due to the nature of production line bring-up, the work schedule will evolve throughout ramp
- Will start as 8 AM - 6 PM (Monday - Friday)
- Final permanent schedules:
- A-Shift: 5 AM - 5 PM (Sunday-Tuesday and every other Wednesday)
- B-Shift: 5 AM - 5 PM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday)
- C-Shift: 5 PM - 5 AM (Sunday-Tuesday and every other Wednesday)
- D-Shift: 5 PM - 5 AM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday)
- Must be able to gain forklift certification
- Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
- Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
- Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime and weekends as needed
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.
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