AUTOMATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER, LAUNCH PAD (STARSHIP)

SpaceX's Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket (collectively referred to as Starship) represent a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond. Starship will be the world's most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, with the ability to carry in excess of 100 metric tons to Earth orbit.

We are looking for an automation & controls engineer to help SpaceX develop and build launch systems for Starship. This role will be focused on electrical control systems for the launch mount and integration tower, including I/O systems, motion systems, and supporting infrastructure.

The successful applicant will be joining, and be supported, by a highly talented team of engineers with an amazing track record in developing any type of automated solution imaginable.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Electrical systems:

• Architect, design and integrate control systems for the Starship Launch pads
• Design industrial electrical control panels which are NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant
• Design control and data acquisition systems
• Design and author electrical schematics
• Design electrical conveyance and distribution systems (e.g. raceways, cables, wiring methods)
• Work closely with other disciplines. Interface control systems with high power equipment and communication equipment.
• Design electrical systems for hazardous environments

Control software:

• Architect, write, and debug PLC code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable and reusable for similar applications
• Configure, commission and tune VFDs for open and closed loop control system applications
• Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens for complex machinery while providing sufficient feedback for troubleshooting

Mechanical integration:

• Add detail for electrical assemblies to CAD models to plan out install for cable tray, conduit, panel mounting, etc.

General responsibilities:

• Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and carefully balance product specifications, process requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead-time limits
• Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, and conveyance installs
• Set, implement, and maintain schedules and budgets to ensure project completion

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics
• 1+ years of experience in the design and commissioning of control systems for industrial applications (internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with Industrial and process automation & control systems.
• Experience architecting, designing, and integrating various industrial control systems.
• Electrical schematic CAD experience using EPlan
• Mechanical design experience with CAD such as Siemens NX or SolidWorks
• PLC programming experience
• HMI and SCADA programming experience
• Field bus networks, serial communication and Ethernet communication
• Hands-on experience building and commissioning high quality electrical control panels and electro-mechanical systems
• Knowledge of NEC, UL508A codes
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Experience in fast-paced iterative design and test environments
• Experience solving complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team
• Strong work ethic and drive to succeed as part of a high functioning team
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity, independently drive project progress, and manage multiple priorities
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement and troubleshoot control systems
• Fundamental understanding of engineering principles behind electronic equipment, instrumentation, and commonly used industrial equipment
• Select and size electrical and electromechanical components such as servo motors, controllers, and VFDs.
• Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (NFPA 70 Section 500 installations); Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 environments or IEC equivalence
• Experience tuning PID controllers
• Experience with electrical power distribution, working knowledge of NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E
• First-hand experience with programming and software development
• Experience with industrial bus protocols such as Modbus, Profinet and EtherNet/IP

 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
• Must be willing to travel for extended periods, up to 100% during system activation
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg

CIVIL ENGINEER, LAND DEVELOPMENT (STARSHIP LAUNCH PAD)

As a member of the launch pad development team, you will work with a group of elite engineers across multiple disciplines to design, build, and activate a second orbital launch pad and ancillary infrastructure that will further enable orbital launch capability for the most powerful rocket in the world, Starship. This position is based in Starbase, Texas (Brownsville/South Padre Island Area).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own site feasibility and conceptual planning, storm water management, grading, drainage and utility design, erosion and sediment control
• Perform all calculations necessary for grading and drainage, stormwater control facilities, water quality, domestic water distribution, and other underground utilities
• Drive coordination and design necessary to obtain local, state, and federal permits as it relates to land development and utility construction projects
• Manage the civil aspects of construction projects in the field; including quality control, conflict resolution, and coordination of a multi-discipline contractor team
• Interact with contractors, fabricators, owners, and internal clients to develop project requirements, schedule, and cost estimates prior to project implementation
• Resolve design and construction conflicts in the field in real time

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of professional experience in civil engineering design, analysis, and drafting
• Experience using a CAD software design package (e.g. Revit, AutoCAD/Civil3D)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Proficiency in technical skills in storm water management, hydraulics, hydrological analysis, grading and other site development related designs
• Understanding of other disciplines such as electrical, piping, geotechnical, electrical and surveying
• EIT or Professional Engineering (PE) license
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while maintaining a high sense of urgency in a high-paced, challenging work environment
• Experience with project management of major construction projects including estimating, cost control, schedule, and contractor management

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position is based in Starbase, TX (Brownsville) and requires being onsite – remote work not considered
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility is required
• Occasional travel may be required
• Stand: Up to 6 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
• Push/Pull: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day
• Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to ≤ 25 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 10 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 6 hours or greater per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, operating heavy equipment and machinery, 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

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER, LAUNCH PAD (STARSHIP)

As a member of the launch pad development team, you will work with a group of elite engineers across multiple disciplines to design, build, and activate a second orbital launch pad and ancillary infrastructure that will further enable orbital launch capability for the most powerful rocket in the world, Starship.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the project team, consulting engineers and contractors throughout the entirety of the civil and structural engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning process
• Develop and issue drawings, design documentation, and reports for aerospace, industrial, and commercial type projects
• Perform both civil and structural design and analysis calculations for structural steel and concrete
• Write, negotiate, and manage construction contracts with subcontractors across multiple disciplines through contract close-out
• Manage the civil and structural aspects of construction projects
• Provide direct onsite engineering inspections and field observations
• Resolve design and construction conflicts in the field in real-time

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, structural engineering, or another engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience in civil or structural design, analysis, construction, and drafting (competition team or intern experience qualifies) 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated experience where quick thinking and tangible problem-solving skills play a critical role
• Demonstrated experience fostering an environment of extremely high personal accountability and responsibility
• Understanding of other disciplines such as: mechanical, electrical, piping, geotechnical, and surveying
• Experience creating structural detail drawings in AutoCAD, Revit, NX, Solidworks or similar drafting programs
• Experience with SAP 2000, STAAD Pro, RISA-3D, ETABS, or similar analysis software
• Knowledge of American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) steel manual, American Concrete Institute (ACI) code 318, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7, and International Building Codes (IBC)
• Strong ability to use data and analysis to make fast data-driven decisions
• Professional Engineering (PE) or Structural Engineering (SE) license

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• This position is based in Starbase, Texas and requires being onsite – remote work not considered
• Ability to perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights
• Ability to focus while working in hazardous conditions and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Stand: Up to 6 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
• Push/Pull: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day
• Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to ≤ 25 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 10 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 6 hours or greater per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, operating heavy equipment and machinery, 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.

MECHANICAL DESIGNER, AUTOMATION & CONTROLS (STARSHIP LAUNCH PAD) 

The Starship Tower & Launch Mount team is looking for controls designers to help make the next generation of launch pads a reality. This role will be focused on bridging the gap between system architecture and build – that is, developing electrical schematics, sizing conveyances, interfacing with fluids and mechanical components, detailed design of conduits and bracketry, and design of control panels. These systems will be involved in interfacing with the next generation of Starship vehicles, catching both stages, and reaching a rapid and automated flight cadence requiring no manual actions between launches. 

RESPONSIBILITES: 

• Detail electrical schematics in collaboration with automation & controls engineers who architect the systems 
• Perform conduit fill calculations and initial sizing of conveyances 
• Create CAD models and drawings of conduits, control panels, bracketry, and related access provisions 
• Perform basic structural analysis and use best practices to ensure designs are sufficiently robust for the challenging environment of the launch pad 
• Translate designs into planning as the basis for install in the field 
• Documentation of designs as well as best practices 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:   

• Bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering discipline; or 2+ years of professional experience in designing mechanical, fluids, or electrical systems in lieu of a degree

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Experience modeling with 3D CAD software (e.g. NX/Unigraphics, Catia, SolidWorks, Fusion 360) 
• Familiarity with design of weldments and sheet metal structures 
• Experience using EPlan 
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79 codes 
• Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (NFPA 70 Section 500 installations); Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 environments or IEC equivalence 
• Capable of solving problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal 
• Experience in fast-paced, demanding iterative design and manufacturing environments 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed 
• Stand: Up to 6 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
• Push/Pull: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day
• Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to ≤ 25 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 10 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 6 hours or greater per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, operating heavy equipment and machinery, 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.

SR. CONSTRUCTION SUPERINTENDENT (STARSHIP LAUNCH PAD)

As a critical member of the Starship Launch Pad team, you will supervise and lead a group of laborers and contractors to enable the build and activation of launch infrastructure for a variety of projects at Starbase as well as other SpaceX Launch Sites. This position is based in South Texas (Brownsville/South Padre area).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee and own the day-to-day site management of a fast-paced, high-impact construction project, including the responsibilities below:
• Manage construction site logistics/operations, including work schedules, project progress, and resource allocation
• Use independent judgment to plan, supervise, and manage construction projects across SpaceX campuses
• Implement and enforce SpaceX safety policies, and drive the safety culture on the jobsite through contractor and internal partners
• Daily field coordination and conflict resolution for contractors and internal partners
• Manage site logistics, including daily deliveries, offloading, inventory, storage, and staging of SpaceX-purchased materials
• Responsible for jobsite cleanliness
• Maintain jobsite SWPP and enforce compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
• Create, enforce, and iterate on schedules for workers and subcontractors in conjunction with engineering and project management team
• Maintain a daily log for the job site's operations, reporting to management as necessary
• Management of SpaceX construction assets (trailers, rental equipment, etc.)
• Oversee the procurement and execution of specific construction projects as delegated by the engineering & project management team:
• Provide budgetary costs based upon the preliminary scope of the project
• Gather proposals from contractors; assign contracts upon receipt of all proposals
• Develop the final cost and schedule for the sub-project, and implement controls as needed to manage cost, schedule and scope
• Coordinate project implementation and track project status
• Coordinate with end user and facilities team for building operations and maintenance
• Manage night shift contracts as project work requires
• Make changes in the operation as necessary to best meet construction deadlines, triage issues to engineering & project management team as necessary to ensure schedule and quality are adequate
• Responsible for contractor badging & security

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 5+ years of professional experience leading or coordinating a labor force in the construction or aerospace industries
• 5+ years of hands-on experience with a construction trade skill

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Understanding of multiple disciplines such as civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, piping, geotechnical, and surveying
• Structural welding experience on large-scale industrial or aerospace projects
• Experience estimating labor hours and managing budgets for welding scopes
• Strong field experience managing weld contractors, fitters, and multi-disciplinary crews in fast-paced technical environments
• Ability to read and interpret piping and instrumentation diagrams, isometric drawings, fabrication drawings, and redlines
• Experience with fit-up, system tie-ins, modifications, and resolving constructability issues in the field
• Current CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) certification

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position is based in Starbase, TX (Brownsville/South Padre Island Area) and requires being onsite – remote work not considered
• Ability to perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters, or at heights
• Travel may be required to support projects at other sites (up to 30%)

CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGER (STARSHIP LAUNCH PAD)

The construction project manager coordinates all on-site construction activities and supervises all field personnel as required to successfully complete the project on schedule and within budget. This includes maintaining the highest level of quality and supervising all trade and field personnel, while also administering good construction safety practices with all on-site activities. They also maintain the job site and close out the project. This position is based in Starbase, Texas (Brownsville/South Padre Island Area).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage all aspects of multidisciplinary construction projects, both as an administrator and in the field
• Direct all field personnel to achieve completion of the project on schedule, within budget, and with quality workmanship that conforms to the original plans and specifications
• Resolve design and construction conflicts in real-time in the field
• Promote job site safety, encourage safe work practices, and rectify job site hazards immediately
• Oversee and own the full lifecycle of projects to achieve on-time and under-budget delivery with customer satisfaction. The following project management responsibilities apply:
  • Provide guidance and input on preliminary scope/customer requests, including rough order of magnitude (ROM) costs
  • Evaluate competitive bids as appropriate
  • Review proposals for accuracy, identify and track cost-saving suggestions or improvements
  • Recommend the best path of action
  • Develop the final cost and schedule for the project
  • Implement controls as needed to track and manage cost, schedule, and scope
  • Write and manage construction contracts with subcontractors across multiple disciplines through contract close-out
  • Facilitate city, county, and regulatory approvals
  • Resolve design and construction conflicts in the field in real-time
  • Manage the overall site safety and environmental requirements for contractors
  • Track and approve invoicing of work

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, construction management, or an engineering related discipline and 3+ years of professional experience in construction, engineering, or facilities management OR 7+ years of professional experience in construction, engineering, or facilities management in lieu of a degree

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 2+ years of professional experience in concrete construction, earthwork, and basic steel structures
• 1+ year of demonstrated hands-on experience in the construction field
• Experience with project management of major construction projects including estimating, cost control, schedule, and contractor management
• Greenfield site development experience
• Basic proficiency with AutoCAD or Revit
• Knowledge and familiarity with general construction practices, permitting, and regulations
• Experience working with vendors of multiple disciplines such as civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, piping, geotechnical, and surveying

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position is based in Starbase, TX (Brownsville/South Padre Island Area) and requires being onsite – remote work not considered
• Ability to perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights
• Travel may be required to support projects at other sites (up to 30%)

SR. STRUCTURAL ENGINEER (STARSHIP LAUNCH PAD)

As a member of the launch pad development team, you will work with a group of elite engineers across multiple disciplines to design, build, and activate a second orbital launch pad and ancillary infrastructure that will further enable orbital launch capability for the most powerful rocket in the world, Starship. This position is based in Starbase, Texas (Brownsville/South Padre Island Area).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the project team, consulting engineers and contractors throughout the entirety of the civil and structural engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning process
• Develop and issue drawings, design documentation, and reports for aerospace, industrial, and commercial type projects
• Perform both civil and structural design and analysis calculations for structural steel and concrete
• Write, negotiate, and manage construction contracts with subcontractors across multiple disciplines through contract close-out
• Manage the civil and structural aspects of construction projects
• Provide direct onsite engineering inspections and field observations
• Resolve design and construction conflicts in the field in real-time

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, structural engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 5+ years of professional experience in civil or structural design, analysis, construction, and drafting

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated experience where quick thinking and tangible problem-solving skills play a critical role
• Demonstrated experience fostering an environment of extremely high personal accountability and responsibility
• Understanding of other disciplines such as: mechanical, electrical, piping, geotechnical, and surveying
• Experience creating structural detail drawings in AutoCAD, Revit, NX, Solidworks or similar drafting programs
• Experience with SAP 2000, STAAD Pro, RISA-3D, ETABS, or similar analysis software
• Knowledge of American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) steel manual, American Concrete Institute (ACI) code 318, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7, and International Building Codes (IBC)
• Strong ability to use data and analysis to make fast data-driven decisions
• Professional Engineering (PE) or Structural Engineering (SE) license

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position is based in Starbase, Texas (Brownsville/South Padre Island Area), and requires being onsite – remote work not considered
• Ability to perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Ability to focus while working in hazardous conditions and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Stand: Up to 6 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
• Push/Pull: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day
• Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to ≤ 25 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 10 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 6 hours or greater per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, operating heavy equipment and machinery, 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.