Automation & Controls Specialist is responsible for owning, installing and commissioning new automation assets, panel builds, and drawing updates. The specialist will be responsible for implementing long-term reliability improvements to production systems.
The Automation & Controls Specialist role provides operational support in the review and interpretation of data collected on these systems. Specialists commission and integrate physical hardware including but not limited to wire harnesses, PCBs, custom enclosures, PLCs, data acquisition systems, pneumatic systems, and sensors.
Responsibilities:
* Own and hands-on execute industrial automation projects, in collaboration with Engineers, specialists, and Technicians from different groups.
* Develop and upgrade data acquisition and control systems.
* Provide technical support and guidance for controls technicians and other non-controls engineering groups.
* Lead technicians and/or contractors efficiently.
* Commission new hardware.
* Actively perform continuous improvements for team processes, quality, faster build times, lower maintenance needs, project kitting, streamlined communication between teams, and feedback loops.
* Perform daily task prioritization including risk mitigation on current and upcoming projects.
* Draft and redline drawings in Electrical and Fluids Schematics.
* Be a liaison, in design stage and during builds, between Tooling Engineering and Automation & Controls for controls hardware mounting and overall cable management.
* Program PLC's and HMI's according to engineering design.
* Analyze data to assess the function of electrical systems.
* Assist in the design and analysis of experiments to evaluate test articles.
Qualifications:
* High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
* 2+ years of experience in a controls technician or specialist role.
Preferred Skills:
* Occupational trade school qualification in an instrumentation or electrical-based field.
* Knowledge of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety), NFPA 79 & UL508A codes.
* Excellent communication skills-both written and verbal.
* Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight.
* 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.
* Knowledge of high-reliability processes and related documentation practices.
* Experience in programming PLC and HMI.
* Demonstrated ability to design, implement and troubleshoot data acquisition and control hardware.
* 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.
* General schematic capture and printed circuit board (PCB) design and/or verification and validation experience.
* Experience tuning PID controllers.
* Experience with electrical power distribution, working knowledge of NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E.
* Experience with connectorization standards such as IPC-620, NASA 8739.4, and D38999 specifications.
* First-hand experience with programming and software development.
* Experience with industrial bus protocols such as Modbus, Profinet and EtherNet/IP.
* Hands-on experience activating, building, and troubleshooting analog electronic systems.
* Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience.
* Exposure to C/C++, Python, and JavaScript.
* Experience with Linux-based operating systems.
Additional Requirements:
* Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings.
* Ability to work at elevated heights (200+ feet).
* Ability to perform physical tasks such as climbing up and down stairs and/or ladders regularly throughout the day.
* Ability to lift light weight supplies or materials (up to 25lbs unassisted).
* Available to work overtime and weekends when needed based on site operational needs; flexibility required.
* Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, flashing lights, heat, cold, rain, and noise.
* Occasional travel to other facilities, up to 25%.
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.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
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.