Sr. Tooling Design & Automation Engineer (Starlink)
SpaceX
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. TOOLING DESIGN AND AUTOMATION ENGINEER (STARLINK)
At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.
One key component of SpaceX’s success so far is our commitment to keeping all engineering and production in-house, which enables a tight feedback loop, nimble decision making, and speedy deliverables. Tooling Design and Automation Engineers at our Bastrop site are hyper-focused on designing and developing full factory solutions for consumer electronics in the tens of millions that are both technically sophisticated and easy to use. As a member of this team, you will lead creative, multi-disciplinary projects spanning machine design, robotics, motion systems, and factory health monitoring that all come together to form the innovative, high-rate factories that allow us to deliver internet to those that need it most.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design, develop, and manage automation projects - this includes initial factory ideation, machine commissioning, and proof of rate capability, and eventual hand-off to operational teams
- Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements, and drive system-level optimization for in-house machine design with focus on speed, reliability, maintainability, and safety
- Refine the production system to create high-rate, high-yield, and reliable processes
- Keep our factory safe and reliable by implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment
- Stay organized by creating schedules and budgets, and then motivate the team to achieve them
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering, physics, or science discipline
- Experience with CAD and FEA software packages
- 5+ years of experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- 7+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
- 2+ years of hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead
- Proficient in 3D CAD and product lifecycle management programs to generate detailed designs and drawing packages utilizing geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, preferably Siemens NX and Teamcenter
- Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions in both design and implementation stages
- Exposure to motion system sizing and implementation including gantries, robotics, conveyance, motors, actuators, pneumatics/hydraulics, sensor selection, integration, etc.
- Exposure to some variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment including motion systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, injection molders, die casters, etc.
- Excited by a quick and iterative design and manufacturing role
- Willing to learn how to design electrical systems compliant to NEC, NFPA, & UL508A regulations
- Willing to learn how to architect, write, and debug PLC code
- Willing to learn how to generate aesthetically simple HMI screens to make complex machines easy to understand, operate, and troubleshoot
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, with the ability to make plans and directional recommendations collaboratively and cross-functionally
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
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Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones
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.