Sr. Manager, Automation & Controls Engineering (Starlink)

Job Description

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.

SR. MANAGER, AUTOMATION & CONTROLS ENGINEERING (STARLINK)

SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites and highly technical ground hardware, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable.

The Automation & Controls Senior Manager is responsible for building a multi-disciplinary engineering team to deliver production systems for the high-volume, consumer facing hardware that will sit in homes around the world. This includes highly reliable automated builds of Starlink components, assemblies, subsystems and test methods. The Automation & Controls Senior Manager is responsible for building and managing a team that can execute some of the toughest mechanical, software, and electrical challenges that come with a high volume production line, all while maintaining a focus on flexibility, reliability, maintainability, and ease of use.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the development effort to deliver automated build and test systems for Starlink production
• Build a team of exceptional talent in tooling, machine design, and control systems
• Manage tooling and automation projects from initial concept, to on-line commissioning and proof of rate capability, and hand-off to operational teams
• Develop and submit budgets with ROI's for automated systems
• Work to, and adapt to, schedules and budgets to ensure project success
• Drive specifications for deliverables with design engineers (internal & external) to define build and test criteria and production operation requirements
• Trade machine design options for flexibility vs risk, cost and schedule comparisons

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or electrical engineering
• 10+ years of controls experience in a highly technical environment (high volume manufacturing, aerospace, consumer electronics, amusement parts, etc.)
• 5+ years of experience managing an engineering team

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in computer science, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or electrical engineering
• Capable of solving complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or leading an integrated team
• Experience applying common manufacturing and machining processes where it applies to design (such as welding, machining, assembly, inspection, etc.)
• Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience
• Proven history of driving projects from concept to completion, preferably in machine design or industrial automation development
• Experience with CAD and FEA software
• Programming experience in any of the following languages: LabVIEW, Python, C#, C++, Javascript, Visual Basic
• Experience with Allen Bradley Rockwell industrial controllers
• Experience with electronic/fluid schematic design software such as Visio or EPLAN
• Good understanding of software and programming fundamentals
• Familiarity with electronic circuit design/analysis

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or 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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.