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

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…