Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX

INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROLS TECHNICIAN, SOLAR CELLS (STARLINK)

At SpaceX, we are building the next generation of space infrastructure to enable large-scale AI data centers in orbit. These orbital AI platforms require massive amounts of reliable, high-efficiency solar power, and we are standing up one of the largest solar cell manufacturing facilities in the world. The Instrumentation & Controls Technician will provide hands-on support for the integration, commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance of automation and controls systems on our advanced solar cell production lines.

This role focuses on safe, structured execution of repairs and recoveries that maximize uptime, wiring and building industrial control panels, supporting PLC/HMI/SCADA systems, and ensuring reliable operation of electromechanical, robotic, sensor, motion, and process-critical equipment while collaborating closely with Specialists and Engineers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support integration and commissioning of vendor/OEM equipment into centralized SCADA software (Ignition) and production line controls
• Perform safe controls and electrical work within LOTO, arc-flash, guarding, interlock, robot/AGV, bypass-control, and restart-verification requirements; identify hazards, verify zero energy, validate safety devices after repair, and escalate unsafe conditions or unauthorized changes
• Maximize uptime of automation assets through hands-on troubleshooting, basic repairs, and corrective actions on electromechanical, robotic, pneumatic, and control systems
• Wire, commission, validate, build, and maintain industrial control panels and field devices to NFPA 79 & UL 508A standards; replace like-for-like components (power supplies, relays, fuses, terminal blocks, sensors, etc.), restore wiring condition, and create accurate redlines
• Navigate and diagnose PLCs, HMIs, alarms, permissives, sequences, I/O status, recipes, and logic behavior; clear approved alarms, perform basic recovery, capture evidence (screenshots, codes, states), and support minor authorized parameter/recipe adjustments with documentation
• Set up, diagnose, replace, and validate sensors, instrumentation, vision, barcode/RFID, encoders, IO-Link devices, and industrial networks; verify signals, alignment, scaling, and network health
• Support controls for VFDs, servo systems, motion axes, robots, conveyors, AGV/AMR interfaces, and controlled movement; perform documented resets, homing, recovery, and safe dry-cycle checks
• Provide controls support for process-critical solar cell equipment (e.g., deposition, chemical processing, printing, firing, testing, material transfer) and facilities/utility interfaces; protect product quality, recipe state, contamination control, and process stability during recovery
• Perform structured fault finding, root-cause support, and rapid corrective actions to minimize downtime on solar cell manufacturing equipment
• Collaborate with engineers, Instrumentation & Controls Specialists, production, and maintenance teams to deliver safe, reliable solutions and continuous improvement
• Maintain accurate documentation, work tickets, and records; support 5S principles, inventory control, and a clean, organized workspace
• Ensure all work complies with safety protocols, cleanroom standards (as applicable), lock-out/tag-out, and regulatory requirements in a high-volume manufacturing environment

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing and production environment with mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic systems; OR bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Strong working knowledge of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety), NFPA 79, and UL 508A codes
• Demonstrated hands-on skill in fault finding, structured troubleshooting, electrical panel work, multimeter use, schematic reading, and problem resolution
• Ability to read, interpret, and redline electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics and drawings
• PLC and HMI experience or familiarization with Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens TIA Portal, and/or Allen-Bradley RSLogix/Studio 5000; ability to navigate alarms, I/O status, sequences, and basic diagnostics
• Experience with electrical control panel design, building, and wiring; sensors and instrumentation (photoeyes, proximity, pressure, vacuum, temperature, flow, encoders, vision, barcode/RFID, IO-Link)
• Experience with SCADA systems (Ignition preferred), sensors, actuators, servo drives, interlocks, production support devices, VFDs, robots, conveyors, AGVs/AMRs, and industrial networks
• Familiarity with process-critical controls, recipes, facilities/utility interfaces, hazardous gas/chemicals, cleanroom protocols, and product-protection practices
• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); detail-oriented with strong organizational, documentation, and communication skills
• Creative problem-solver with a high sense of urgency, ability to work independently or as part of a team, and flexibility in a fast-paced, high-stress production setting
• Experience with 5S, lean principles, CMMS/work ticket systems, and continuous improvement for uptime and reliability

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work overtime and/or weekends as needed
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Must be able to walk and stand for long periods of time
• Must be comfortable working in a production environment with extensive use of hazardous chemicals such as acids, alkalis, and solvents
• Must be able to wear appropriate PPE for lab and electro-chemical manufacturing environment
• Must be comfortable with climbing up and down ladders, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, carrying, crawling, and maneuvering in tight spaces
• Must be willing to train on 1st shift from 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM for initial 30 days
• Must be willing to work one or more of the following schedules:
• A-Shift: 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Sunday - Tuesday and every other Wednesday)
• B-Shift: 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday)
• C-Shift: 5:00 PM - 5:00 AM (Sunday - Tuesday and every other Wednesday)
• D-Shift: 5:00 PM - 5:00 AM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday)