Automation & Controls Specialist, Solar Cell Manufacturing (Starlink)

AUTOMATION & CONTROLS SPECIALIST, SOLAR CELL MANUFACTURING (STARLINK) 

SpaceX is becoming a world leader in electronics manufacturing in the heart of Texas. The Automation & Controls Specialist for the Solar Cell Manufacturing facility will be responsible for troubleshooting complex controls issues within existing SpaceX critical assets, with the focus on adding long-term repairs that increase the overall reliability of production systems, rather than implementing quick-fix solutions. Additionally, the Automation & Controls Specialist will be responsible for assisting in the design of new controls components and integrating with vendor-provided equipment. The Automation & Controls Specialist makes data-driven decisions and is skilled in both hands-on electrical and controls software. This includes servicing and building industrial control panels, robotic and electromechanical controls systems, and PLC, HMI, and SCADA development. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Integrate vendor/OEM equipment into centralized SCADA software (Ignition) for advanced line control 
• Maximize the uptime of all automation assets on our advanced manufacturing lines 
• Develop data analysis tools to root-cause the largest downtime sources and propose long-term fixes 
• Specify and procure required components, sensors, and hardware needed for implementing controls solutions 
• Wire, commission, and validate electromechanical and pneumatic control systems 
• Design and commission basic PLC and HMI software applications, and additions to existing systems 
• Interpret and develop logic for Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens TIA, and Allen-Bradley RS Logix 
• Read, understand, and utilize system-level schematics (mechanical/electrical/pneumatic/hydraulic) 
• Support production devices (HMIs, VM’s, Thin Clients, IoT devices) 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate and 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing and production environment; OR bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline 
• 2+ years of experience working with mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic systems  

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Associate or bachelor's degree in engineering, math, or science discipline 
• Demonstrated hands-on skill in fault finding, mechanical system troubleshooting, and solid problem resolution skills 
• Highly motivated with strong interpersonal skills; a team player, yet able to work independently when necessary 
• Exceptional problem solving and communication skills, creative, and has strong organizational skills as well as documentation 
• Strong, working knowledge of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety), NFPA 79 & UL508A codes 
• PLC and HMI programming experience or familiarization using ladder logic and structured text (Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens TIA, and Allen-Bradley RS Logix) 
• Mechanical equipment design/build experience 
• Experience with electrical control panel design, building, and wiring 
• Electrical schematic drawing/updates 
• Excellent skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint 
• Detail oriented, organized, and able to demonstrate a high sense of urgency 
• Ability to read and interpret electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics and drawings 
• Analytical skills - skilled at gathering and analyzing information to understand complex situations and solve problems 
• Ability to maintain a safe and clean working environment while adhering to company policies, quality policies, and industry standards 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Due to the nature of production line bring-up, the work schedule will evolve throughout ramp 
• Will start as 8 AM - 6 PM (Monday - Friday)  
• Final permanent schedules:  
  • A-Shift: 5 AM - 5 PM (Sunday-Tuesday and every other Wednesday) 
  • B-Shift: 5 AM - 5 PM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday) 
  • C-Shift: 5 PM - 5 AM (Sunday-Tuesday and every other Wednesday) 
  • D-Shift: 5 PM - 5 AM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday) 
• Must be able to gain forklift certification 
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted 
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position 
• Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime and weekends as needed