Sr. Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink) at SpaceX
- In Bastrop, TX.
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. INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER, SOLAR CELL FACTORY (STARLINK) The Solar Cell team is revolutionizing power generation for space applications through advanced solar cell manufacturing. We're scaling production of high-efficiency solar cells to support sustainable energy solutions for Starlink constellations, launch vehicles, and beyond. As a Sr. Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you will design, build, and optimize controls and automation systems for the delivery of critical gases and chemicals in solar cell fabrication. This role requires a detail-oriented engineer passionate about safe handling of hazardous materials in a high-volume manufacturing environment, ensuring reliable control code and safe instrumentation and design of processes like vacuum deposition and etching while minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency in our cutting-edge solar cell factory. RESPONSIBILITIES: Design, implement, and maintain automation systems including PLC programming and SCADA development for gas farm operations (e.g., vaporizers, storage, and transfer systems) and wastewater treatment processes (e.g., solids separation, clarification, and chemical dosing) to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant performance Develop and program PLC control logic, PID loops, and interlocks for centralized control of distributed subsystems, optimizing for real-time monitoring of parameters such as pressure, temperature, flow, pH, and effluent quality Select, calibrate, and integrate field instrumentation (e.g., transmitters, sensors, analyzers) in hazardous environments, ensuring compatibility with safety standards like SIL, ATEX, and EPA/NPDES regulations Lead commissioning, FAT/SAT testing, and troubleshooting of control systems, performing root-cause analysis to minimize downtime and support 24/7 operations with rapid alarm response Design electrical systems compliant to NEC, NFPA, & UL508A regulations BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or chemical discipline 5+ years of experience with fluids/systems manufacturing, controls and automation, and/or programming PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Excited by a quick and iterative design and manufacturing role Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions in both design and implementation stages Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, with the ability to make plans and directional recommendations collaboratively and cross-functionally Ability to engineer creative, new approaches to problems while adhering to ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA safety requirements to keep a factory safe Hazardous process expertise in an aerospace, oil and gas, or chemical industry where high pressure or hazardous systems for fluids or gasses were in use Experience with at least one of the specific disciplines listed below. The ideal candidate is interested in learning at least the fundamentals of the other areas they are not yet strong in. …