Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Responsibilities
Integrate electromechanical systems with investment casting equipment
Design and develop manufacturing data systems for production and quality optimization
Implement data collection solutions using Python/SQL for real-time monitoring
Create and optimize HMI/SCADA/MES interfaces and predictive analytics
Participate in equipment conceptual development balancing specifications and costs
Lay out compliant industrial electrical control panels and schematics
Architect and debug PLC code for manufacturing applications
Implement safety systems for safeguarding manufacturing equipment
Benefits
Opportunity to work at the forefront of power generation technology
Engagement in innovative projects with a focus on real-world applications
Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement
Potential for professional growth in a dynamic, high-impact setting
Flexible hours to accommodate project needs
Full Job Description
AUTOMATION ENGINEER, BLADES AND VANES FOUNDRY
Power generation poses a key challenge that could slow the worldwide adoption of AI. The Blades and Vanes Investment Casting Manufacturing Team produces components for power generation using investment casting to create equiaxed, directionally solidified, and single-crystal components that excel under the most demanding operating conditions. As an automation engineer at SpaceX, you will apply first principles thinking to design, develop, and maintain core control systems at the cutting edge of investment casting and other manufacturing processes. This includes integrating PLC/SCADA with advanced manufacturing and energy systems for physics-driven optimization of production processes, as well as developing scalable systems for functionality enhancements, quality inspection, and real-time process optimization.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Integrate electromechanical and mechatronic systems with critical investment casting equipment, including wax injectors, ceramic injectors, preheating, melting, and controlled solidification furnaces
Design and develop manufacturing data systems from concept to production, analyzing equipment KPI trends, conducting reliability analysis to create scalable systems for production output, quality inspection, real-time process optimization, and maintenance strategies to enhance equipment uptime and reliability
Implement solutions for data collection/storage, using Python/SQL to interface with MES and production databases, while incorporating sensor data for real-time condition monitoring and fault prediction
Create and optimize HMI/SCADA/MES interfaces; conduct in-house technology exploration; and integrate predictive analytics for equipment health monitoring
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 that are NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant and create electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics
Architect, write, and debug PLC code, emphasizing generating organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable code for manufacturing applications
Implement (ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant) control reliable safety systems for safeguarding robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment
Select and size electrical and electromechanical components such as servo motors and controllers
Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, pneumatic, and fluid plumbing
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in an engineering, physics, or computer science discipline
1+ years of experience in the design and commissioning of automation and control systems for industrial applications
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Proficiency in industrial systems, including configuring control networks (Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, BACnet, Serial Communication)
Experience with multiple PLC systems (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, etc.)
Experience with programming ABB mechatronic systems
Experience with electrical schematics using ePLAN for circuits and power distribution
Exposure to a wide variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (vision systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, Nut-Runners, etc.)
Hands-on experience in manufacturing settings, solving complex problems using data and customized solutions. Proven results that have improved equipment reliability and reduced downtime
Proficiency in Python and SQL, with experience applying these to analyze sensor data for equipment reliability analysis and predictive modeling
Hands-on experience troubleshooting and fixing electro-mechanical devices, using hand tools, diagnostic tools (e.g., multimeters, vibration analyzers), and techniques for condition-based monitoring
Proven interpersonal skills and ability to objectively resolve conflict within a large group
Ability to work flexible hours and schedules as required, with a passion for tackling challenging engineering problems and a drive to innovate and grow in a dynamic, high-impact environment
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:
Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical milestones
Must be willing to travel (up to 10%)
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. a7 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. a7 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
About SpaceX
SpaceX is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Elon Musk. The company designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX has developed the Falcon 1, Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Dragon spacecraft. The company was founded with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. SpaceX has achieved several milestones in spaceflight, including the first privately-funded liquid-propellant rocket to reach orbit, the first privately-funded company to send a spacecraft to the International Space Station, and the first privately-funded company to send a human-rated spacecraft to orbit.
