Manager, Automation & Controls Engineering (Power Generation & Utilities)

Job description

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. MANAGER, AUTOMATION & CONTROLS ENGINEERING (POWER GENERATION & UTILITIES) We are looking for a Manager of Automation and Controls Engineering to own the design, build-out, commissioning, and continuous improvement of automation, controls, and electrical systems across SpaceX’s critical power generation and utility infrastructure at Starbase. This role is involved in every major facility that supports Starship production, launch, propellant generation, terrestrial data centers, and site operations — with a primary focus on industrial power generation assets, utility-scale and low-voltage electrical power systems, and the associated balance-of-plant. If it has a gas or steam turbine control system, a switchgear lineup, a plant electrical distribution network, a SCADA/DCS point, a control loop, or a supporting utility/process system (water, wastewater, fuel gas, HVAC, cooling) that must run reliably at scale, this team designs it, specifies it, commissions it, and keeps it running. As a Manager, you will lead a team of Automation and Controls Engineers in a high-reliability, fast-paced environment. This is a hands-on technical leadership role — you will review P&IDs, challenge control philosophies, dive into DCS/PLC architecture, electrical protection schemes, and commissioning details, not just manage a roadmap. You will scale both the team and the systems as Starship production and launch cadence increase. RESPONSIBILITIES: Own the automation and controls engineering scope for all power generation projects and assets (gas turbine simple cycle, combined cycle, and steam turbine systems), including DCS/SCADA architecture, PLC systems, turbine control interfaces, instrumentation, and control networks — from control philosophy through commissioning and ongoing reliability. Own controls and electrical integration for utility-scale and low-voltage electrical power systems, including switchgear, protection and metering, plant electrical distribution, and power system controls in compliance with NFPA 70/70B/70E, NESC, and IEEE standards. Lead mechanical and electrical balance-of-plant (BOP) controls scope across power generation assets — fuel gas systems, HVAC, fire protection, compressed air, cooling water, and auxiliary systems. Direct automation and controls scope for supporting utility and process systems, including raw water intake, demineralization, wastewater treatment, cooling water, and industrial gas systems. Build, mentor, and manage a team of automation and controls engineers and technicians; scale the team in line with power generation capacity growth and Starship production/launch rate targets. Review and approve control philosophy documents, I/O lists, control narratives, single-line diagrams, electrical/pneumatic schematics, cause-and-effect diagrams, and control panel designs produced by the team and by EPC contractors/vendors. Interface directly with internal engineering disciplines, construction teams, OEMs (turbine, HRSG, BOP, and electrical equipment vendors), and contractors to ensure controls and electrical scope is fully integrated and commissioned on schedule. Drive standardization of control system architecture (DCS/PLC/SCADA), cybersecurity posture, documentation, and engineering practices across power generation and utility facilities to enable design reuse and faster deployment. Own field commissioning support for automation, controls, and electrical systems, including loop checks, functional testing, protection testing, start-up, and hand-off; support root-cause investigations and reliability improvements across operating assets. Develop SOWs, negotiate, and manage contractor work as needed to support power generation and utility build-out. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related engineering field. 8+ years of experience in automation and controls engineering, with direct experience on industrial power generation projects (gas turbine, combined cycle, or steam systems preferred) or large-scale critical power infrastructure. 3+ years of experience directly managing or leading a team of engineers (and preferably technicians). PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES: Demonstrated hands-on experience with DCS and/or PLC/SCADA platforms used in power generation or heavy industrial applications. Experience working across the full project lifecycle: design, procurement, construction support, commissioning, and operations. Working knowledge of electrical power systems (utility-scale and low-voltage), switchgear, protection, metering, and their interface with automation and controls. Experience designing or reviewing industrial electrical control panels and electrical schematics. Direct experience with gas turbine or combined-cycle power plant controls (turbine control systems, HRSG controls, plant-wide DCS integration, and BOP controls). Experience with utility-scale electrical power systems controls, protection schemes, and SCADA integration. Experience with water treatment plant automation, wastewater systems, industrial gas/fuel gas systems, or process cooling systems supporting power generation. Experience designing and commissioning PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications in high-reliability industrial or power environments. Familiarity with major industrial platforms (e.g., Emerson, ABB, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, SEL) and Ignition SCADA. Experience with IEC 61131 programming, industrial networking (IT/OT), and major industrial protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, etc. Experience managing EPC contractor and OEM interfaces on multi-discipline power or capital projects. PE license in Electrical or Controls Engineering (or willingness to pursue). Experience scaling a controls engineering function within a fast-growing organization. Strong background in control panel design (NFPA 79 / UL 508A) and electrical schematic tools (EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical, etc.). Familiarity with industrial control system cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NERC CIP or equivalent). Excellent communication skills with the ability to remain deeply technical while mentoring engineers. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Willingness to perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights. Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support power generation, production, and launch operations. Ability to remain focused in hazardous environments while wearing appropriate PPE. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted. Provide 24/7 on-call support for emergencies as needed. Must be able to work on-site at Starbase, TX, with potential travel to other SpaceX facilities. 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 .