Automation & Controls Engineer (Asset Engineering)

SpaceX

•

Hawthorne, California

•

PERMANENT

Updated 09/01/2026

Job Description

Job Summary

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.

AUTOMATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER

(ASSET

ENGINEERING

)

The Asset Engineering team is dedicated to developing the factory machines, tooling, and systems required to manufacture some of the most advanced hardware on the planet. With vertically integrated teams of mechanical, automation, and fluids engineers, the group solves SpaceXs most difficult manufacturing challenges, owning the solutions from design concept though high-rate production ramps.&

As an Automation and Controls Engineer, you will be directly responsible for the design, build, and integration of automated machinery that manufactures and tests Starship and Starshield hardware. You will join a highly talented interdisciplinary team of engineers and technicians working to ensure the Hawthorne factory unlocks its full capability.

RESPONSIBILITIES

&

Lead& the& design and& development& of complex& in-house& automated manufacturing and test systems from concept to production, specifically owning electrical and software design.&

Design and develop motion control and& robotic& systems to& solve manufacturing and test needs

Write& and& maintain& machine automation software that is concise and well documented.&

Develop& simple& UI /& HMIs& that& make machines easy to understand,& operate& and troubleshoot

Design& electrical& and& pneumatic& systems& to be used in manufacturing environments

Manage the build, integration,& testing& and validation& of electrical and fluidic systems

Architect and implement the integration of& manufacturing machinery into SCADA and MES systems

Provide expert support of existing automation systems and work with partner teams to correct root causes

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors degree in engineering, physics, computer& science& or other engineering discipline

1+ years of experience in industrial or factory automation design and implementation

1+ years of experience in designing and building electro-mechanical/robotic/automated system products

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions at both the design and implementation steps

Strong experience& developing software to automate electro-mechanical systems

Experience with design,& programming& and commissioning of& industrial& robotic& systems& (e.g.& Kuka, ABB, or Fanuc)

Experience with PLC programming in SCL with& Beckhoff TwinCat 3& or Siemens TIA Portal

Experience with Python, C, C++, or& similar& high level programming languages

Experience developing machine vision systems& for inspection applications

Strong& electrical knowledge and experience troubleshooting& electrical systems& using tools like multimeters and oscilloscopes

Experience configuring and debugging networks and fieldbus systems

Experience with motion system sizing and implementation (gantries, robotics, conveyance, motors, actuators, pneumatics/hydraulics, sensor selection/integration, etc.)&

Familiarity with industry standards such as

IEC, NFPA, NEC

ADDITIONAL

REQUIREMENTS

Physical effort including standing, lifting, and carrying equipment up to 30 lbs. unassisted

Must be available to work extended hours and some weekends

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay range:

Automation & Controls Engineer/Level I:

$100,000.00 - $115,000.00/year

Automation & Controls Engineer/Level II:

$110,000.00 - $135,000.00/year

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 & 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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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. 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 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& EEOCompliancespacex.com.&

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