Lead Automation and Controls Engineer, Silicon Technology (Starlink)

About the role

SpaceX is leveraging its experience building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation, providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide.

We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we're looking for best-in-class engineers and leaders to join the team.

In true SpaceX fashion, Starlink is taking the next step in vertical integration by bringing advanced silicon packaging and assembly in-house for development and manufacturing. We are looking for a hands-on, creative, and driven Lead Automation and Controls Engineer to spearhead the automation for our internal advanced silicon packaging lines.

The Lead Engineer will be responsible for architecting and scaling the automation systems that allow for meaningful reduction of both user terminal cost and risk of global supply chain calamities limiting production capability of Starlink. Engineers on this team are curious, love to learn new things, and work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs as we strive to deliver high-impact technology on a massive scale.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team that architects and optimizes high-output factories of the future
• Set the bar for technical excellence across the team, and create opportunities for the team to continually improve
• Recruit the best engineering talent to the team
• Challenge the team to develop new processes and deploy entire factories rapidly with high machine reliability and safety standards
• Collaborate closely with automation, mechanical, process, safety, production and maintenance leadership to identify high-impact projects and opportunities for improvement
• Ensure a strong focus is placed on safety and maintain an excellent safety record

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering discipline
• 3+ years of professional experience in an automation engineering role

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience leading engineers and technicians on a project basis or through a leadership role with evidence of ability to give strong technical direction and mentorship skills
• Experience developing and tracking roadmaps, and motivating a team to achieve them
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, communicate effectively, and work both independently and within a team
• Ability to communicate complex concepts, problems, solutions, schedules, and budgets clearly to all levels within a fast-paced organization
• Semiconductor industry work including with SECS/GEM protocol
• Experience interfacing with equipment suppliers for developing and enforcing machine requirements
• Experience with as many of the following parts of our core technologies:
• Applied understanding of SECS-GEM - and how to integrate into a Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
• Familiarity with SEMI organization semiconductor standards
• Motion systems design (gantries, robotics, conveyance, motors, actuators, pneumatics/hydraulics, sensor selection and integration)
• Electrical sizing of motors, cables, circuit protection, VFD's, motor starters, various other motion systems
• Design of fail-safe electrical circuits using both safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays
• Hands-on experience designing and commissioning high quality electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations in mind
• Proficiency in understanding and creating electrical schematics (EPLAN preferred)
• Working knowledge of ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA standards and NEC, NFPA, UL508A electrical codes for safeguarding factory systems the team designs and implements
• Fieldbus networking protocols, preferably EtherCAT, Profinet, Profisafe, Ethernet/IP
• HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), Ignition systems with focus on user friendly navigation and machine health monitoring and control
• PLC programming, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text programming
• Fundamental structures hand calculations and ability to design for strength and stiffness
• CAD and product lifecycle management programs to generate detailed designs and drawing packages utilizing geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, preferred Siemens NX and Teamcenter

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones
• Ability to travel to other sites (Hawthorne, CA and Redmond, WA) and international suppliers 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.