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.
CONTROLS TECHNICIAN
The controls technician supports building and maintaining our data and control systems. These systems include different data collection and control hardware, wiring, interface harnesses, and many types of sensors. The goal of the data and control systems team is to meet test needs for safe, low-cost, and reliable access to space.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Perform complex technical assignments involving instrumentation and data acquisition/processing systems
Maintain, calibrate, configure, monitor, test, troubleshoot, install, and repair instrumentation, process controls, data acquisition systems, and electrical systems
Investigate, diagnose, correct, and document instrumentation or system malfunctions
Analyze results of calibrations and processed data, and assist in the interpretation of test data
Adjust, repair, or replace faulty components of test setups and equipment
Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify developmental and production electrical and electronic units, assemblies, components, parts, equipment, and systems
Configure the data acquisition hardware
Perform wire terminations to a variety of instruments and verify sensor health: pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, limits, and flow meters
Install connectors, connector pins, terminals, and lugs
Perform continuity checks, locate and correct wiring errors using measuring instruments such as ohmmeters and sequential continuity checkers
Adjust, calibrate, align, and modify circuitry and components, and record effects on unit performance
Read and interpret planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches
Perform layout and wiring of electrical panels
Collaborate with design engineers to troubleshoot failures and issues derived from test data
Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Associate degree in instrumentation, control technology, electrical systems, or other electrical field (3+ years of professional experience working with controls or electrical systems will be considered in lieu of a degree)
2+ years of experience working with instrumentation such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, flow meters, multimeters, or oscilloscopes
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Experience working with any of the following instrumentation: resistance temperature devices (RTDs), silicon diode temperature devices, strain gauges, load cells, displacement transducers, pressure transducers, thermocouple, and flow meters (turbine, coriolis, and ultrasonic)
Basic knowledge of Wheatstone bridge theory, ability to apply Ohm's law, and an understanding of direct current (DC) electronics
Operational knowledge of an oscilloscope and multi-meter, soldering wires and connectors, operation of various crimping tools, wire stripping, continuity testing, pinning out a military type connector, routing and tie wrapping cables, drilling and tapping holes, and building junction boxes
System-level troubleshooting skills and the ability to logically solve instrumentation system problems and determine corrective action
Experience with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and motor starters, and knowledge in troubleshooting
Knowledge in signal conditioning concepts for various types of sensors, to include the following: thermocouple Types K, S, and E; TC bonding concepts: resistance weld on and adhesive bond on types; TC probes through thermowell sheaths; cold junction compensation concepts
Background should include experience with the following devices: DC power supplies, DC-DC converters, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) installations, heat shrink tubing, cable harnessing, lacing, and proper strain relief concepts
Working knowledge of transducers, operational amplifiers, and the knowledge of measurement techniques for temperature, pressure, flow, displacement, vibration, and the application of strain gauges is also highly desired. Ability to identify required data, data acquisition plans, and test parameters, and set up equipment to conform to these specifications
Working knowledge of multiple bus architectures (Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)/Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe), PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation (PXI)/PXI Express (PXIe), General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB), Serial, Universal Serial Bus (USB), etc.) and data communication technologies
Demonstrated capabilities in the development of comprehensive project plans that include all tasks, stage/gate milestones, and reviews necessary to successfully develop and implement solutions
Intermediate skill level using Windows Operating Systems
Intermediate skill level using Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, OneNote)
Knowledge in data acquisition concepts, hardware, and interfacing (Signal Conditioning eXtensions for Instrumentation (SCXI) and PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation (PXI) based)
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain
Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
Must be available for overtime and weekends as the schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required
Must be available to travel to other sites as needed
Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
Sit: Up to 10 hours per day
Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day
Overhead reach: Up to 10 hours per day
Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
Lift/Carry: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day
Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 6 hours per day
Kneel/Crouch: Up to 10 hours per day
Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day
Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per day
Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review
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.