Apprentice Automation

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 & CONTROL SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN

The automation & control systems technician will support the build-up and maintenance of our data and control systems. These systems comprise various data acquisition and control hardware, wiring, interface harnesses, and a wide range of instrumentation. The goal of the data & control systems team is to meet various test requirements to achieve safe, economical, and reliable access to space.

 RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Install and terminate wiring to pad instrumentation and data acquisition systems
• Install connectors, connector pins, terminals, and lugs
• Perform continuity checks, locate and correct wiring errors using measuring instruments such as ohmmeters and voltage calibrators
• Perform work in support of fellow technicians and engineering employees using shop assembly equipment and hand tools
• Collaborate with design engineers to troubleshoot failures and issues derived from test data
• Write, create, and organize work planning documents and instructions
• Generate purchase orders from vendor quotes
• Lead complex and mentally taxing projects with little to no oversight
• Install and modify electrical conveyances, including but not limited to conduit and cable tray
• Install cable and cable assemblies
• Build intricate and complex cable assemblies using Mil-C connectors and contacts
• Troubleshoot AC power distribution equipment up to 480VAC
• Build and terminate AC power equipment up to 480VAC
• Build, terminate, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-based manufacturing hardware
• Fabricate support structures, enclosures, and conveyances for electrical distribution equipment

 BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate's degree in an aerospace or electrical field
• Experience working with electronic systems and working with instrumentation such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, flow meters, multimeters, or oscilloscopes (experience from college program counts)

 PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 2 years of experience working with instrumentation such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, flow meters, multimeters, or oscilloscopes 
• 2 years of professional, hands-on experience working with launch site instrumentation
• Experience with ISO 9000, IPC-620, and ICP-610 standards
• Quality inspection experience with harnessing and cables
• Understanding of basic direct current electrical theory
• Experience helping to develop and document procedures
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Ability to design and fabricate simple electrical circuits
• PLC and DAQ programming experience
• Experience with NI Max and Studio 5000
• Proficient with the use of power tools (e.g., hand drills, grinders, band saws, vacuums, and impact drivers)
• Proficient with use of hand tools (e.g. wire strippers, screw drivers, brooms, flush cuts, and wrenches)

 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• General physical fitness is required for some work areas, hardware is typically built in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required
• Ability to lift heavy objects up to 25 lbs unassisted
• Ability to work at elevated heights - up to 300 ft. with proper PPE
• Ability to work in extreme environments – heat, cold, rain, fumes, odors, and noise
• Willing to work extended hours and weekends, as needed

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 .