Automation & Controls Engineer (Asset Engineering)

spacex

Hawthorne, CA · Hawthorne · United States

Posted May 8, 2026

Other
Ground Reliability - Asset Maintenance

Job description

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 SpaceX's 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:

Bachelor's 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.