is Hiring New Graduate Automation Engineer

SpaceX was founded on the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is far 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 serve consumers across the globe. Powered by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including rural communities and areas where existing services are too expensive or unreliable.

This role is based 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 who enjoy combining electrical and software work with mechanical work. Examples of systems you may work on include:

• 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 running
• 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, and measure rate, uptime, and capability
• Develop end-of-arm tooling, fixtures, and work instructions used by operators on the floor
• Apply controls, electrical, and machine safety practices 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 drive root cause closure
• Challenge assumptions and find simple solutions to complex problems

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Hands-on work with automation such as PLCs, 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 written and verbal communication skills
• 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 or extended periods (about 15% travel normally, more during urgent manufacturing and test campaigns)
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
• Standing and walking for long periods of time
• Willingness to work long hours and weekends as needed for manufacturing and test campaigns

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications, and are not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin or ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.