Controls & Automation Engineer 3
This role falls under U.S. export rules, so the posting asks for U.S. person status. That means a U.S. citizen, a green card holder, a refugee or an asylee.
The posting offers relocation and a 9/80, 4/10 or other compressed week. More space jobs with relocationMore with a 9/80 schedule
About the role
Requisition ID: 1980
Location: ULA - Cape Canaveral
Relocation:Yes- Relocation may be available
Travel Requirements:10%
At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team.
Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you!
Job Overview & Responsibilities
At ULA, as a Controls & Automation Engineer 3, you will be a member of the Engineering and Infrastructure department, responsibilities include:
- The design, operation, and maintenance of ground (fixed and portable) environmental control systems (ECS) systems used in support of launch vehicle operations
- Maintain, operate, troubleshoot, and design Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) used to control Environmental Control Systems and HVAC
- Create Statements of Work, RFPs, Process Flow Diagrams, P&IDs, and engineering design packages for new controls and automation projects
- Direct, oversee, and manage the implementation of new projects - including contractor coordination, RFIs, scheduling, construction, and activations
- Support day-to-day operations, mission unique testing, launch processing milestones, and launch operations
- Maintain SCADA networks, configuration management of PLC/HMI software, and instrumentation (sensors, valves, analyzers)
- The position interfaces with customers, suppliers, application users, and other technical and support personnel
- Conducts multidisciplinary research and collaborates with equipment designers and/or hardware engineers in the planning, design, development, and utilization of automated control systems
- Determines computer user needs, and advises hardware designers on machine characteristics that affect software control systems, such as storage capacity, processing speed, and input/output requirements
Required Education
Bachelor
Required Years of Experience
Minimum of 4 years of related work experience
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field from an accredited college or university
- Software development, integration, activation, and/or qualification testing experience specifically in industrial automation - DCS, PLCs, HMIs, SCADAs
- Experience with digital and analog input/output control
- Experience with PID control and tuning
- Experience with configuration management as it relates to industrial control systems
- Experience with graphical user interface development and programming
- Demonstrated experience with Programmable Logic Controllers, programming in Ladder Logic, Structured text, and Function Block
- DCS/PLC Communication experience - Modbus, MatrikonOPC, IP/TCP
- Windows operating system experience (registries, DCOM, Networking, user privilege configuration, system administration, security, Group Policy)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with C++ and UNIX
- Experience with Schneider Electronics PLCS and HMIs
What makes ULA different?
Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels.
We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including
- 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
- Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
- Generous paid time off
- Flexible work environments
Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.
Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information).
ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster ( English / Spanish ) and Right to Work Poster ( English / Spanish ).
Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted.
Copied from the listing United Launch Alliance published, verified 30 Oct 2026.
About United Launch Alliance
Builds and flies the Atlas V and Vulcan rockets for national security, NASA and commercial customers.
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