New Graduate Engineer, Automation - '26/'27 (Starlink)

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.

NEW GRADUATE ENGINEER, AUTOMATION - '26/'27 

SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable.

This role sits in Bastrop, TX, a high-rate SpaceX manufacturing site. You will work closely with Materials Engineering on the processes, tools, and cells that produce flight and production hardware across programs. 

We are hiring new graduates love working on the combination of electrical/software with mechanical. Some examples of systems you would be working on: 

• High-rate factory automation – cells, robots, gantries, conveyors, and end-of-arm tooling 
• PLC, HMI, and controls – organized, reusable code and screens operators can run and troubleshoot 
• Machine safety – ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA systems for robots, gantries, and other equipment 
• Factory health – sensors, SCADA/Ignition, and monitoring that keep the line up 
• Electrical, pneumatics, and motion – control panels, schematics, and checkout on real equipment 
• Completely new, ground up, green-field projects! Speccing new cells and equipment, owning commissioning and initial automation development 

 RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Own automation from concept through commissioning and high-volume production 
• Design, program, and debug PLC and robot systems; measure rate, uptime, and capability 
• Develop end-of-arm tooling, fixtures, and work instructions operators use on the floor 
• Apply controls, electrical, and machine safety on real equipment 
• Partner with Materials Engineering to develop and test automation for advanced materials and manufacturing processes for next generation hardware 
• Troubleshoot cell and equipment problems on the floor and close root cause 
• Challenge assumptions and work to find simple solutions to complex problems 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering, physics, or computer science discipline 
• 1+ years of experience with engineering projects (internship or extracurricular experience is applicable) 
• Graduating in the class of 2026 or 2027 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Hands-on work with automation such as PLC, robots, and industrial equipment 
• Solid understanding of industrial controls, sensors, and how automated cells fail (faults, e-stops, rate, scrap) 
• Experience with CAD (NX or SolidWorks) and electrical or pneumatic schematics 
• Experience commissioning equipment, implementing safety systems, or bringing a cell to rate 
• Exposure to production machinery (robots, injection molders, die casters, CNC, motion systems) 
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal 
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Willingness to travel to other SpaceX sites and/or vendors for significant/extended periods of time (~15% travel normally, more during urgent manufacturing and test campaigns)
• Ability to lift up to 25Ibs unassisted
• Standing/walking for long periods of time
• Willingness to work long hours and weekends as necessary to accommodate manufacturing and test campaigns

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.