Automation & Controls Technician

About the role

Join the Starbase infrastructure team at SpaceX to build, install, operate, and maintain instrumentation and controls for critical power, HVAC, utility, and fluids systems supporting launch, production, supercomputer, and power-generation projects. As a technician, you will install and troubleshoot the sensors, valves, wiring, and control systems that run them, working from the field device through the PLC and SCADA. The role is based at Starbase, TX, with potential travel to other SpaceX facilities.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, operate, and maintain instrumentation, automation, control, and SCADA systems for the infrastructure, utility, and fluids systems
• Fabricate and install fluid-system components from schematics and drawings, including stainless and aluminum piping, ball and check valves, pressure regulators, and sensors and gauges
• Connect, verify, calibrate, and troubleshoot pressure transducers, thermocouples, and other sensors, and complete the wiring of electrical ground support equipment
• Configure and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications in a high-reliability production and launch environment
• Update, redline, and troubleshoot electrical and pneumatic schematics (EPLAN, Schematics, and similar)
• Assemble and wire industrial control panels to NFPA 79 / NEC / UL 508A, and install power-system controls in line with NFPA 70, 70B, 70E, NESC, and IEEE
• Perform high-pressure liquid and pneumatic testing, and repair high-urgency issues found during activation or production use
• Support controls upgrades, commissioning, testing, hand-off, and training as systems scale
• Read and interpret drawings, data sheets, BOMs, and engineering sketches, and keep SCADA and as-built documentation current
• Give engineers practical feedback on how systems will be operated and maintained
• Write short work instructions from drawings and requirements
• Support SOWs and contractor work so the in-house team can keep pace
• Train junior technicians on instrumentation and controls tasks
• Plan and finish weekly work with minimal impact to operating systems

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years hands-on installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining instrumentation, automation, or controls systems
• 1+ years using mechanical and/or electronics hand tools, including work from schematics on piping, valves, sensors, or control wiring

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 3+ years in industrial instrumentation, automation, controls, or fluid systems
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting complex fluid and mechanical systems
• Experience with pneumatic/hydraulic system fabrication
• Experience with orbital or structural welding
• Professional experience with calibrated measuring instruments
• Experience using heavy equipment, including but not limited to, overhead cranes, forklifts and manlifts
• Relevant certifications (e.g., ISA CCST, NICET, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens)
• Experience designing/developing HMI applications with Ignition
• Familiar with SEL, Allen Bradley and Siemens suite of control devices
• Experience deploying and troubleshooting server/client SCADA applications
• Ability to read and interpret electrical one-line drawings, DC/AC schematics, and bills of materials
• Experience implementing control logic schemes (e.g., ladder logic) and basic network configurations
• Experience with IEC-61131 programming (ladder logic, structured text)
• Experience with IT/OT network troubleshooting
• Familiarity with industrial communications protocols: Modbus, IEEE C37.115, IEEE C37.111, DNP3, etc.
• Experience with electrical schematic CAD tools (EPLAN, AutoCAD, etc.)
• Experience with C#,.NET, Python, and/or SQL for scripting and automation tasks
• Demonstrated initiative, creative problem-solving, and strong hands-on troubleshooting skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills to prioritize, schedule, and implement solutions with minimal operational impact
• Proven ability to work independently or in teams in dynamic, high-stress environments with tight deadlines

Additional Requirements

• Perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights
• Work extended hours and weekends as needed to support launch operations
• Remain focused in hazardous environments while wearing appropriate PPE
• Lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted
• Provide 24/7 on-call support for emergencies

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.