Instrumentation & Controls Specialist, Water Treatment; Starlink

Space

X 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 Space

X is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

The Water Treatment team at Space

X is looking for a highly skilled Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) Specialist to lead the automation efforts for our water infrastructure in Bastrop, TX. You will be the subject matter expert (SME) for the control systems driving our Ultra-Pure Water (UPW), Industrial Wastewater (IWW), and Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) plants.

In this role, you won’t just fix broken sensors; you will optimize the logic that runs them. You will bridge the gap between physical hardware and software engineering — troubleshooting complex PLC logic, designing HMI screens, tuning PID loops, and ensuring that our water systems operate at peak efficiency and safety to support critical production targets.

• System Automation:
  Modify and optimize PLC logic (Allen Bradley, Siemens) to improve system reliability and process stability
• SCADA Development:
  Design and deploy HMI screens and alarm management systems using Ignition, ensuring operators have clear, actionable data
• Advanced Troubleshooting:
  Serve as the final escalation point for complex electrical and controls failures; diagnose root causes across network protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP), VFD parameters, and instrumentation loops
• Loop Tuning:
  Perform precise PID loop tuning for critical process variables (flow, pressure, pH) to maintain tight tolerances in dynamic water treatment processes
• Project Execution:
  Lead I&C integration for new equipment installs, from panel design review and IO checkout to startup and commissioning
• Network Architecture:
  Manage industrial network infrastructure, ensuring robust communication between remote I/O, local control panels, and the central SCADA server
• Standards & Compliance:
  Ensure all control panels and field wiring meet NEC, NFPA 79, and Space
  
  X internal standards
• Mentorship:
  Provide technical guidance and training to I&C Technicians and Maintenance staff on advanced diagnostic techniques

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of professional experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or I&C maintenance
• 2+ years of experience programming or troubleshooting Allen Bradley Control Logix/Compact Logix and Siemens PLCs

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechatronics, or a related technical field
• Water/Wastewater Expertise:
  Deep understanding of the specific control strategies required for RO trains, ion exchange, evaporators and crystallizers, filter presses, and precipitation and clarification tanks
• Ignition Certification:
  Experience building projects in Inductive Automation’s Ignition platform (Perspective/Vision modules)
• Hardware Knowledge:
  Expert-level knowledge of VFDs (Power Flex, Danfoss), servo drives, and diverse industrial instrumentation (E+H, Rosemount, IFM)
• Panel Design:
  Ability to redline electrical schematics and oversee panel builds or modifications
• Data Analysis:
  Ability to query SQL databases to retrieve historical process data for troubleshooting

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical milestones or emergency repairs
• Due to the nature of production line bring-up, the work schedule will evolve
  • Will start as 5 AM - 5 PM (Monday - Thursday) or 5 PM - 5 AM (Monday - Thursday)
  • Final permanent schedules:
    • A-Shift: 5 AM - 5 PM (Sunday-Tuesday and every other Wednesday)
    • B-Shift: 5 AM - 5 PM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday)
    • C-Shift: 5 PM - 5 AM (Sunday-Tuesday and every other Wednesday)
    • D-Shift: 5 PM - 5 AM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday)
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Ability to distinguish between different colors of wires and indicator lights

• 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.

Space

X is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Space

X 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.

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