Join SpaceX as an Instrumentation and Controls Technician to ensure the reliability of critical water treatment systems in Bastrop, TX.
Skills & Technologies
Requirements
- Experience
- 3+ years
- Education
- High school
Joblaze summary
The Instrumentation and Controls Technician for Water Treatment at SpaceX plays a crucial role in maintaining and optimizing the water systems that support manufacturing and testing operations. Daily tasks include troubleshooting PLC panels, calibrating chemical analyzers, and executing preventative maintenance on control systems. This position is ideal for someone with at least three years of hands-on experience in industrial maintenance or instrumentation, particularly in water treatment facilities. The role demands a proactive problem solver who thrives in a dynamic environment.
Joblaze insights
- Listed 22 days ago on Joblaze — tracked directly from SpaceX's career page.
- SpaceX has 2312 other open roles including Process Engineer (Starship), Security Officer 3, Sr. Security Software Enginer (Starshield).
- 81 active PLC roles on Joblaze right now.
- 50 active HMI roles on Joblaze right now.
- 11 active Siemens roles on Joblaze right now.
- Typical PLC salary we track runs $100,000–$109,000 (median $100,000, across 26 roles).
Quick facts
- Is the Instrumentation & Controls Technician, Water Treatment (Starlink) role remote?
- No — this is an on-site role in Bastrop, TX.
- How much experience is required?
- At least 3 years of relevant experience for this Instrumentation & Controls Technician, Water Treatment (Starlink) role.
- Where is the role based?
- SpaceX is hiring for this position in Bastrop, TX.
- What's the tech stack?
- Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: Allen-Bradley, HMI, ORP, PLC, Siemens, VFD.
- What seniority level is this role?
- SpaceX targets mid-level candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Full-time for this Instrumentation & Controls Technician, Water Treatment (Starlink) 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.
INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROLS TECHNICIAN - WATER TREATMENT
The Water Treatment team at SpaceX is looking for an experienced Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) Technician to support our rapidly expanding site in Bastrop, TX. You will be the technical backbone of our critical water infrastructure, ensuring the reliability of Ultra-Pure Water (UPW), Industrial Wastewater (IWW), and Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems that support our manufacturing and testing operations.
This is not a role for someone who prefers to sit at a desk. We need a hands-on problem solver who can troubleshoot a PLC panel in the morning, calibrate sensitive chemical analyzers in the afternoon, and help redesign a control loop before the end of the day. You will take ownership of the "eyes and ears" of our water systems, ensuring uptime for critical production lines and safety for the rest of the operations team.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform installation, calibration, troubleshooting, and repair of industrial instrumentation, including pH, ORP, conductivity, turbidity, flow, level, pressure, and temperature transmitters
- Troubleshoot and maintain control panels, PLCs (Allen Bradley/Siemens), VFDs, and motor starters related to water treatment skids
- Diagnose issues within 4-20mA, 0-10V, and digital communication loops (Ethernet/IP, Modbus)
- Work closely with the water operations team to optimize chemical dosing pumps and automated valves for process efficiency
- Execute preventative maintenance (PM) plans on electrical and control systems to minimize downtime
- Assist engineers with the commissioning of new water treatment equipment and upgrades to existing infrastructure
- Read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and logic diagrams to identify root causes of system failures
- Maintain accurate records of calibration and maintenance activities
- Configure the data acquisition hardware and control screens/HMIs
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
- 3+ years of professional experience in industrial maintenance, instrumentation, or industrial electrical work
- Experience working with low voltage controls (24VDC) and high voltage power (up to 480VAC)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Associate degree in instrumentation technology, electrical engineering technology, or a related field
- Experience specifically within water/wastewater treatment facilities (RO, DI, UF, Clarification and Precipitation, Thermal Evaporators)
- Proficiency with Allen Bradley and Siemens PLCs (ControlLogix, CompactLogix) and Ignition SCADA software
- Strong understanding of fluid dynamics, pumps, and automated valves
- Ability to solder, terminate wires, and fabricate simple brackets/conduit runs
- Knowledge of NEC (National Electrical Code) and NFPA 70E standards
- Experience with chemical handling systems and hazardous production materials
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- General physical requirements: Standing for long periods, climbing ladders/stairs, lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs, and working in tight quarters
- Willingness to work overtime, weekends, and on-call shifts when needed to support critical infrastructure
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.