SpaceX To Open 'State Of The Art' Factory In Austin; Posts New Job Openings

Elon Musk’s SpaceX is planning to break ground on a new manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas, according to the company's website.

Musk's space-exploration company mentioned on Tuesday that the new plant is in the works while also posting a job listing for an automation and controls engineer.

"To keep up with global demand, SpaceX is breaking ground on a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Austin, TX," the listing states. "The Automation & Controls Engineer will play a key role as we strive to manufacture millions of consumer facing devices that we ship directly to customers."

The automation and controls engineer would develop systems for SpaceX’s satellite internet business, Starlink.

“The Automation & Controls Engineer will play a key role as we strive to manufacture millions of consumer-facing devices that we ship directly to customers (Starlink dishes, Wi-Fi routers, mounting hardware, etc),” the posting read.

“Specifically, they will design and develop control systems and software for production line machinery – ultimately tackling the toughest mechanical, software, and electrical challenges that come with high volume manufacturing, all while maintaining a focus on flexibility, reliability, maintainability, and ease of use,” it continued.

The chosen applicant would be required to travel to the company’s Los Angeles headquarters 25% of the time until the manufacturing plant in Austin is complete. The posting did not offer any specific details about the facility beyond its location and function. Musk's aerospace company also posted a listing for an assemble and packaging equipment engineer on the website.

SpaceX has multiple outposts in Texas, including in Boca Chica Village and Hawthorne. And of course you know that Texas has long been home to NASA's little ol' hub of human spaceflight, Johnson Space Center in Houston.

But if Musk has his way, there will be another place in Texas known for its space endeavors.

On Tuesday, the SpaceX founder took to Twitter to announce plans of creating a city called Starbase.

"Creating the city of Starbase, Texas," he wrote, while reportedly talking about renaming Boca Chica Village, where a SpaceX development facility is already located, according to CNET.

The richest man on the planet, who also owns automaker Tesla, continued his far-out tweet with, "From thence to Mars, and hence the Stars.”

As for Austin, Musk told Joe Rogan in a February interview that he was drawn to the music-centric city because it resembled California.

“Austin is a bit like mini California,” Musk said. “I was like, asking the team in California, ‘alright where do you wanna — what’s your top choice [for] the next big U.S. factory location, where do you want to spend time?’ The number one choice was Austin.”

In late 2020, Musk announced his move to Texas after he and public health officials in California disagreed over the state’s coronavirus restrictions.