Launch Controls Engineer (Starship)

Launch Controls Engineer (Starship)

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.

Launch Controls Engineer (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 over 100 metric tons to Earth orbit.

We are looking for an engineer to design, integrate, and commission Starship Launch Pad control systems. This role will be focused on electrical control system design for the orbital propellant farm, including input/output (I/O) systems, drive controls, and supporting infrastructure. The engineer will be challenged to own the design and build of a launch control system capable of supporting the ambitious goals of the Starship program.

Responsibilities:

• Design, integrate, and commission control systems for Starship Launch pads
• Design industrial electrical control panels that are NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant
• Design electrical schematics
• Interface control systems with high-power equipment and communication equipment
• Design electrical systems for safe operation in hazardous environments

Control Software:

• Design, write, and debug programmable logic controller (PLC) code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable for similar applications
• Commission devices using a variety of industrial communication protocols
• Configure, commission, and tune variable frequency drives (VFDs) for open and closed loop control system applications
• Set up and tune proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers for continuous processes

Mechanical Integration:

• Design systems that are robust to the mechanical stresses of Starship launch
• Design electrical conveyance

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
• Document control system built for hand-off to pad operators

Basic Qualifications:

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

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience designing and integrating various industrial control systems
• Electrical schematic computer-aided design (CAD) experience
• Mechanical CAD experience
• PLC programming experience
• Human Machine Interface (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) development experience
• Experience with industrial communication protocols
• Hands-on experience building and commissioning high-quality electro-mechanical systems
• Knowledge of National Electric Code (NEC), UL508A codes
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Experience in fast-paced iterative design and test environments
• Proven track record of efficiently resolving complex problems under tight deadlines
• Strong work ethic and relentless drive for success
• Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities within a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
• Fundamental understanding of engineering principles behind electronic equipment and instrumentation
• Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas
• 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

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, and working in cramped positions in small openings
• Occasionally exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Availability to work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility is required
• Ability to travel to other SpaceX or 3rd party facilities (up to 20%)

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.