Tooling Design & Automation Engineer (Starlink)

One key component of SpaceX’s success so far is our commitment to keeping all engineering and production in-house, which enables a tight feedback loop, nimble decision making, and speedy deliverables. Tooling Design and Automation Engineers at our Bastrop site are hyper-focused on designing and developing full factory solutions for consumer electronics in the tens of millions that are both technically sophisticated and easy to use. As a member of this team, you will lead creative, multi-disciplinary projects spanning machine design, robotics, motion systems, and factory health monitoring that all come together to form the innovative, high-rate factories that allow us to deliver internet to those that need it most. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Design, develop, and manage automation projects - this includes initial factory ideation, machine commissioning, and proof of rate capability, and eventual hand-off to operational teams 
• Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements, and drive system-level optimization for in-house machine design with focus on speed, reliability, maintainability, and safety 
• Refine the production system to create high-rate, high-yield, and reliable processes
• Keep our factory safe and reliable by implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment
• Stay organized by creating schedules and budgets, and then motivate the team to achieve them 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• 2+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
• 2+ years of hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead
• Proficient in 3D CAD and product lifecycle management programs to generate detailed designs and drawing packages utilizing geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, preferably Siemens NX and Teamcenter 
• Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions in both design and implementation stages
• Exposure to motion system sizing and implementation including gantries, robotics, conveyance, motors, actuators, pneumatics/hydraulics, sensor selection, integration, etc.
• Exposure to some variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment including motion systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, injection molders, die casters, etc.
• Excited by a quick and iterative design and manufacturing role
• Willing to learn how to design electrical systems compliant to NEC, NFPA, & UL508A regulations
• Willing to learn how to architect, write, and debug PLC code 
• Willing to learn how to generate aesthetically simple HMI screens to make complex machines easy to understand, operate, and troubleshoot
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, with the ability to make plans and directional recommendations collaboratively and cross-functionally

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones