Instrumentation & Controls Technician

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.

INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROLS TECHNICIAN

Join the Starbase infrastructure team at SpaceX to build, install, operate, and maintain instrumentation and controls for critical power, HVAC, utility, and fluids systems supporting launch, production, supercomputer, and power-generation projects. As a technician, you will install and troubleshoot the sensors, valves, wiring, and control systems that run them, working from the field device through the PLC and SCADA. The role is based at Starbase, TX, with potential travel to other SpaceX facilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Install, configure, operate, and maintain instrumentation, automation, control, and SCADA systems for the infrastructure, utility, and fluids systems

Fabricate and install fluid-system components from schematics and drawings, including stainless and aluminum piping, ball and check valves, pressure regulators, and sensors and gauges

Connect, verify, calibrate, and troubleshoot pressure transducers, thermocouples, and other sensors, and complete the wiring of electrical ground support equipment

Configure and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications in a high-reliability production and launch environment

Update, redline, and troubleshoot electrical and pneumatic schematics (EPLAN, Schematics, and similar)

Assemble and wire industrial control panels to NFPA 79 / NEC / UL 508A, and install power-system controls in line with NFPA 70, 70B, 70E, NESC, and IEEE

Perform high-pressure liquid and pneumatic testing, and repair high-urgency issues found during activation or production use

Support controls upgrades, commissioning, testing, hand-off, and training as systems scale

Read and interpret drawings, data sheets, BOMs, and engineering sketches, and keep SCADA and as-built documentation current

Give engineers practical feedback on how systems will be operated and maintained

Write short work instructions from drawings and requirements

Support SOWs and contractor work so the in-house team can keep pace

Train junior technicians on instrumentation and controls tasks

Plan and finish weekly work with minimal impact to operating systems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

1+ years hands-on installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining instrumentation, automation, or controls systems

1+ years using mechanical and/or electronics hand tools, including work from schematics on piping, valves, sensors, or control wiring

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

3+ years in industrial instrumentation, automation, controls, or fluid systems

Experience maintaining and troubleshooting complex fluid and mechanical systems

Experience with pneumatic/hydraulic system fabrication

Experience with orbital or structural welding

Professional experience with calibrated measuring instruments

Experience using heavy equipment, including but not limited to, overhead cranes, forklifts and manlifts

Relevant certifications (e.g., ISA CCST, NICET, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens)

Experience designing/developing HMI applications with Ignition

Familiar with SEL, Allen Bradley and Siemens suite of control devices

Experience deploying and troubleshooting server/client SCADA applications

Ability to read and interpret electrical one-line drawings, DC/AC schematics, and bills of materials

Experience implementing control logic schemes (e.g., ladder logic) and basic network configurations

Experience with IEC-61131 programming (ladder logic, structured text)

Experience with IT/OT network troubleshooting

Familiarity with industrial communications protocols: Modbus, IEEE C37.115, IEEE C37.111, DNP3, etc.

Experience with electrical schematic CAD tools (EPLAN, AutoCAD, etc.)

Experience with C#, .NET, Python, and/or SQL for scripting and automation tasks

Demonstrated initiative, creative problem-solving, and strong hands-on troubleshooting skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong organizational skills to prioritize, schedule, and implement solutions with minimal operational impact

Proven ability to work independently or in teams in dynamic, high-stress environments with tight deadlines

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights

Work extended hours and weekends as needed to support launch operations

Remain focused in hazardous environments while wearing appropriate PPE

Lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted

Provide 24/7 on-call support for emergencies

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 [email protected].