Electrical Engineer - Instrumentation and Controls

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.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER (INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROLS)

This engineer is a systems-focused, automation-driven, multi-faceted individual. The engineer uses electrical and mechanical systems knowledge to inform the design of test stands, support facilities, avionics, and control systems. SpaceX control engineers develop and integrate physical hardware, including wire harnesses, PCBs, custom enclosures, PLCs, data acquisition systems, avionics systems, engine controllers, and various sensors. The engineer is responsible for transferring real-time data from these physical sensors and actuators to the stand operator, the responsible engineer, or the customer. Test articles include in-space systems, vehicles, avionics systems, and ground systems. Excellent operational support and accurate interpretation of data collected from these test systems are paramount. These critical automation & control systems support operations that enable safe, economical, and reliable access to space.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain the operational capability of all control voltage level (<60V) electrical systems
• Develop and upgrade data acquisition and control systems
• Create new automation systems pertaining to avionics and engine testing
• Provide technical support and guidance for controls technicians and other non-controls engineering groups
• Develop new hardware and processes to improve capabilities, reduce cost, and setup time of electrical systems
• Analyze data to assess the function and health of electrical systems
• Assist in the design and analysis of experiments to evaluate test articles

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, computer engineering or other engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience working with data acquisition systems (professional work, internships, clubs, or other engineering activities qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• 2+ years of experience leading a team or project
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
• Strong work ethic, positive attitude, 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
• 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
• 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
• Familiarity with mixed signal electronics, power supply design, analog filtering; testing and troubleshooting techniques, signal integrity, layout and grounding principles
• General schematic capture and printed circuit board (PCB) design and/or verification and validation experience
• Experience with electrical power distribution, working knowledge of NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E
• 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 & digital electronic systems, including avionics

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 extended hours 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
• Ability to travel to other SpaceX or 3rd party 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. 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.