Automation & Controls Engineer (Facilities)

SpaceX· Hawthorne, CA· Facilities - Hawthorne

Posted 2026-10-30

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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 (FACILITIES)

As a member of the critical infrastructure team, you will design, build, and activate some of the world’s most technically advanced manufacturing facilities. As an automation & controls engineer, you will develop and build a great variety of automated solutions to aid in rapid R&D, production and critical asset management. The automation & control team designs, builds, and commissions complete control systems from the ground up. We are looking for talent with an amazing track record in developing, troubleshooting, and maintaining control systems for production and critical infrastructure. This position is based in Hawthorne, CA.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and carefully balance product specifications, process requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead-time limits
Lay out new industrial electrical control panels which are NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant, and create electrical, pneumatic and fluid schematics
Simulate processes to inform design engineers of the conceptual viability of automation proposals (tools include ABB Robotstudio, Kuka Sim, and Siemens Process Simulate)
Architect, write, and debug PLC code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable for manufacturing applications
Generate aesthetically simple screens for complex machinery while providing sufficient feedback for troubleshooting
Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, pneumatic, and fluid plumbing
Select and size electrical and electromechanical components such as servo motors and controllers
Deploy automated processes and equipment into production
Set, implement, and maintain schedules and budgets to ensure project completion

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
1+ years of professional experience in the design and commissioning of automation and controls systems for industrial applications

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Knowledge in building automation systems for critical infrastructure
Mechanical (HVAC) controls and wiring, Delta controls
Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience
Electrical schematic CAD experience using EPlan
C#, .NET, python and/or SQL experience
PLC programming experience, preferably Siemens TIA Portal and Beckhoff TwinCat 3
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, NFPA 79, UL508A codes
Exposure to a wide variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (vision systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors & Nut-Runners, etc.)
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
Experience in fast-paced iterative design and manufacturing environments
Experience solving complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
Must be willing to travel to other locations

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00

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 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 and 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 [email protected].

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