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Manufacturing Automation Engineer, Solar - (Starlink)

Join SpaceX as a Manufacturing Automation Engineer to develop the next generation of Starlink solar arrays and enhance manufacturing efficiency.

Location
Redmond, WA
Compensation
$100k–$140k/yr
Level
mid
Type
full time

Posted by employer 3 months ago

First seen on Joblaze 3 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 Disability Insurance Equity/Stock Options Paid Holidays Health Insurance Parental Leave Life Insurance

Joblaze summary

In the role of Manufacturing Automation Engineer for the Starlink project, the individual will focus on designing and implementing automation systems for solar array production, ensuring efficiency and safety in manufacturing processes. Key skills include proficiency in PLC programming, robotics, and industrial automation technologies, alongside a solid foundation in electrical engineering principles. This position is ideal for someone with at least a year of relevant experience, particularly in a fast-paced environment, who is eager to tackle complex challenges and contribute to innovative solutions.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed about 3 months ago — first seen on Joblaze July 2, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page October 7, 2026.
  • Salary band is below the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$128,223).
  • Starts above 10% of 306 comparable mid other roles in United States that list Python we track (median $112,500 across 60 companies). See Python salary trends
  • Python appears in 17.2% of 3011 comparable mid other roles in United States; Machine Vision appears in 0.1% of 3011 comparable mid other roles in United States.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?
SpaceX lists $100,000–$140,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?
At least 1 year of relevant experience for this Manufacturing Automation Engineer, Solar - (Starlink) role.
What's the tech stack?
Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: .NET, Automation, C++, Electrical Engineering, HMI, IoT.
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 Manufacturing Automation Engineer, Solar - (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.

MANUFACTURING AUTOMATION ENGINEER, SOLAR - (STARLINK)

Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation 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 and the software that brings it all together.
As a member of the Starlink Solar Automation Team you will work with a cross-disciplinary team of engineers developing the next generation Starlink solar array and the production system that will create it.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Design, build, qualify and implement projects spanning machine design, robotics and manufacturing processes from initial ideation to production use.
  • Architect, write, and debug PLC code.
  • Implement vision systems for robotic guidance, quality control and data collection.
  • Design systems to control processes, track factory performance and collaborate across teams to increase manufacturing efficiency in a data driven way.
  • Design user interfaces that make complex machines easy to use and troubleshoot.
  • Create electrical, pneumatic and fluid schematics for control panels.
  • Keep our factories safe by implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering or another STEM field.
  • 1+ years’ experience in the design and commissioning of automation and controls systems for manufacturing (internships/co-ops can apply).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Hands on experience with at least one of the specific disciplines below and interest in learning the other areas you are not yet strong in:

Industrial Automation:

  • Automation Hardware: PLC’s, COTS Robots, servo motion, machine vision, distributed IO, pneumatic controls, etc.
  • Field Bus Networking protocols: EtherCAT, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, etc.
  • Machinery and processes: dispenser, pick and place, fastener installation, automated bonding, thermo-compression, soldering, ultrasonic welding, temperature & position control, injection molders, die casters, etc. and design for manufacturing.
  • Applied Statistical Process Control and other data tools (descriptive, inferential, regression, correlation) to improve manufacturing processes.
  • Safely testing and commissioning integrated systems

Software:

  • PLC programming, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text, state machines, applying Object Oriented Programming to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, pneumatics/hydraulics, etc.
  • Robotics programming, preferably ABB Rapid.
  • HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), SQL, C#, .NET, Python.
  • Industrial machine vision, Cognex Vision Pro preferred, Halcon & OpenCV acceptable.

Electrical:

  • Electrical sizing of motors, cables, circuit protection, VFD’s, motor starters, various other motion systems.
  • Design of fail-safe electrical circuits using both safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays.
  • Hands-on experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems using tools like multimeters, oscilloscopes, EMI probes.
  • Proficiency in understanding and creating electrical schematics and single line diagrams (EPLAN preferred).
  • Analog signal integrity and EMI reduction.
  • Hands-on experience designing and commissioning high quality electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations in mind.
  • Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL508A codes with ability to ensure compliance with control system safety standards.
  • Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions and little supervision.
  • Excited by a fast-paced environment, strong desire and ability to learn quickly and adapt.
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to meet mission critical deadlines.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00

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 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 and 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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

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