← Back to results

Automation & Controls Engineer (Asset Engineering)

Location
Hawthorne, CA
Compensation
$100k–$135k/yr
Level
mid
Type
full time

Posted by employer 5 months ago

First seen on Joblaze 5 months ago

Last verified on the company career page 1 day ago

Requirements

Experience
1+ years
Education
Bachelor's degree
Visa
Sponsorship available

Not disclosed in this posting: work arrangement.

Benefits

401k Match Paid Vacation Paid Sick Leave Equity/Stock Options Paid Holidays Health Insurance Parental Leave

Joblaze summary

In the role of Automation and Controls Engineer at SpaceX, the individual will focus on designing and integrating automated machinery for the production and testing of advanced aerospace hardware. Key skills include expertise in electrical and software design, as well as experience with industrial automation and robotic systems. This position is ideal for engineers with a background in automation, looking to contribute to cutting-edge manufacturing processes in a fast-paced environment. The team is composed of interdisciplinary experts dedicated to solving complex engineering challenges.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed about 5 months ago — first seen on Joblaze May 8, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page October 7, 2026.
  • Salary band is below the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$128,900).
  • Starts above 10% of 307 comparable mid other roles in United States that list Python we track (median $113,000 across 61 companies). See Python salary trends
  • Python appears in 17.2% of 3011 comparable mid other roles in United States; Siemens TIA Portal appears in 0.1% of 3011 comparable mid other roles in United States.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?
SpaceX lists $100,000–$135,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?
At least 1 year of relevant experience for this Automation & Controls Engineer (Asset Engineering) role.
What's the tech stack?
Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: ABB, Beckhoff TwinCat 3, C++, Fanuc, Kuka, Python.
Does SpaceX sponsor work visas for this role?
Yes — the posting indicates visa sponsorship is available for the right candidate.
What seniority level is this role?
SpaceX targets mid-level candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?
Full-time for this Automation & Controls Engineer (Asset Engineering) role at SpaceX.

From the original posting

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.

AUTOMATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER (ASSET ENGINEERING)

The Asset Engineering team is dedicated to developing the factory machines, tooling, and systems required to manufacture some of the most advanced hardware on the planet. With vertically integrated teams of mechanical, automation, and fluids engineers, the group solves SpaceX's most difficult manufacturing challenges, owning the solutions from design concept though high-rate production ramps.

As an Automation and Controls Engineer, you will be directly responsible for the design, build, and integration of automated machinery that manufactures and tests Starship and Starshield hardware. You will join a highly talented interdisciplinary team of engineers and technicians working to ensure the Hawthorne factory unlocks its full capability.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead the design and development of complex in-house automated manufacturing and test systems from concept to production, specifically owning electrical and software design.
  • Design and develop motion control and robotic systems to solve manufacturing and test needs
  • Write and maintain machine automation software that is concise and well documented.
  • Develop simple UI / HMIs that make machines easy to understand, operate and troubleshoot
  • Design electrical and pneumatic systems to be used in manufacturing environments
  • Manage the build, integration, testing and validation of electrical and fluidic systems
  • Architect and implement the integration of manufacturing machinery into SCADA and MES systems
  • Provide expert support of existing automation systems and work with partner teams to correct root causes

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, computer science or other engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience in industrial or factory automation design and implementation
  • 1+ years of experience in designing and building electro-mechanical/robotic/automated system products

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions at both the design and implementation steps
  • Strong experience developing software to automate electro-mechanical systems
  • Experience with design, programming and commissioning of industrial robotic systems (e.g. Kuka, ABB, or Fanuc)
  • Experience with PLC programming in SCL with Beckhoff TwinCat 3 or Siemens TIA Portal
  • Experience with Python, C#, C++, or similar high level programming languages
  • Experience developing machine vision systems for inspection applications
  • Strong electrical knowledge and experience troubleshooting electrical systems using tools like multimeters and oscilloscopes
  • Experience configuring and debugging networks and fieldbus systems
  • Experience with motion system sizing and implementation (gantries, robotics, conveyance, motors, actuators, pneumatics/hydraulics, sensor selection/integration, etc.)
  • Familiarity with industry standards such as IEC, NFPA, NEC

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Physical effort including standing, lifting, and carrying equipment up to 30 lbs. unassisted
  • Must be available to work extended hours and some weekends

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Automation & Controls Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00/year
Automation & Controls Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00/year

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

Standard company text repeated across SpaceX's postings is omitted here.

Similar positions

SpaceX
SpaceX
SpaceX