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Automation & Controls Technician (Starship)

Starbase, TX
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

Working for the Automation & Controls team, the Automation & Controls Technician will be responsible for the installation and commissioning of new automation assets, panel builds and drawing updates. Additionally, the Automation & Controls Technician will occasionally assist maintenance with troubleshooting and repairs of existing assets.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Wire and commission Electrical and Pneumatic automated control systems
  • Build control panels per schematics
  • Work with external vendors to build and install panels
  • Modify and update existing tooling
  • Modify and troubleshoot simple PLC software
  • Redline electrical and pneumatic schematics for automated tooling
  • Own installations and perform early risk mitigation through daily communication with engineering, customers, and other concerned teams
  • Promote 5s principles of organizing and sustaining efficient and presentable team workspaces

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalent certificate
  • Minimum 1 year of experience in a controls technician role or associate degree in automation & controls

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Occupational trade school qualification in an electrical based field preferred
  • Strong knowledge of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 79 & UL508A codes
  • Experience in a production environment, particularly as it relates to automation technology
  • Demonstrable hands-on skill in fault finding, problem resolution
  • Excellent mechanical aptitude
  • Strong communication skills both written and oral. Ability to bring multiple departments with different priorities together and support them in achieving common goals
  • Experience in building multiple panels, following drawing sets, back to back
  • PLC & HMI programming experience
  • Electrical schematic drawing experience
  • Excellent skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Understanding of agile workflow and continuous improvement
  • Demonstrated leadership experience, able to lead/supervise a team

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Available to work overtime and weekends when needed based on site operational needs; flexibility required
  • Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, flashing lights, heat, cold, rain, and noise
  • Occasional travel to other SpaceX or 3rd party facilities, up to 25%
  • Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings
  • Ability to work at elevated heights (200+ feet)
  • Ability to perform physical tasks such as climbing up and down stairs and/or ladders regularly throughout the day
  • Ability to lift light weight supplies or materials (up to 25lbs unassisted)
  • Stand: Up to 6 hours per day
  • Sit: Up to 3 hours per day
  • Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) 2 hours or longer per day
  • Overhead reach: Up to 1 hour per day
  • Walk: Up to 3 hours per day
  • Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 2 hours or longer per day
  • Climb (ladder/stairs): up to 3 hours per day
  • Kneel/Crouch: up to 3 hours per day
  • Upper body twist: Up to 3 hours per day
  • Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees: up to 3 hours per day
  • Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, 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. 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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