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Automation & Controls Specialist

Redmond, WA
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

AUTOMATION & CONTROLS SPECIALIST (STARLINK)

As a member of the Starlink Automation & Controls team, you will play a key role in owning the build and activation of custom machines critical to the production of the Starlink Satellite Constellation. Additionally, you will troubleshoot and repair existing assets and work to improve the long-term reliability of systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Support the building and activation of new automation projects, including mechanical assembly, wiring, pneumatics routing, I/O checkouts, and production qualification
  • Update/modify electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics
  • Troubleshoot and remedy problems with mechanical/electrical/pneumatic systems, HMI's, and PLC's Layout, build, as well as troubleshoot new industrial electrical control panels
  • Troubleshoot PLC and HMI software applications
  • Improve on existing production and R&D robot application programming
  • Support production use of deployed assets, promptly resolving issues on the production floor
  • Maximize equipment uptime and reliability

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school degree or equivalency certificate
  • 3+ years of experience supporting the design and manufacture of assembly machinery or high-volume products (consumer electronics, toys, medical devices, food & beverage, etc.)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Associate or bachelor's degree
  • Occupational trade school qualification in an electrical based field
  • Strong, working knowledge of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety), NFPA 79 & UL508A codes
  • PLC & HMI programming experience
  • Industrial machine networking experience
  • Electrical schematic drawing experience
  • Demonstrable hands-on skill in fault finding, problem resolution
  • Strong communication skills both written and oral
  • Ability to bring multiple departments with different priorities together and support them in achieving common goals

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Wiling to work all shifts, overtime and weekends as needed. Estimated shift times 1st shift: 5 AM - 3:30 PM; 2nd shift: 3:30 PM - 2 AM
  • Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and able to maneuver in tight spaces
  • Must be able to lift up to 25lbs unassisted

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Automation & Controls Specialist /Level 1: $34.00 - $40.00/hour
Automation & Controls Specialist/Level 2: $38.00 - $45.00/hour
Automation & Controls Specialist/Level 3: $42.00 - $51.00/hour

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Non-exempt Washington employees are eligible for sick leave in accordance with Washington's Sick Leave policies.

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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