Aerospace Automation Engineer — Real-Time PLC & GSE, Equity

Vardaspace; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Relocation assistance

On-site amenities

Job summary

Varda Space Industries, Inc. is seeking an Automation and Controls Engineer to build and qualify ground support equipment for spaceflight hardware. You will design test systems, integrate diverse hardware, and develop the PLC framework to support evolving program needs.

The role requires a Bachelor's in engineering and 2+ years in automation, with hands-on EtherCAT and TwinCAT 3 experience. On-site in El Segundo, CA, with strong growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years in test automation, controls, or industrial automation.
• Experience with EtherCAT, Modbus, RS-232/485, or similar protocols.
• Familiarity with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and IEC 61131-3.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain test systems and ground support equipment (GSE) for flight hardware qualification and manufacturing operations.
• Integrate with external hardware like thermal vacuum chambers, ovens, chillers, and data acquisition hardware.
• Develop and extend Varda's PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling.
• Contribute to real-time control architecture decisions and make end-to-end system improvements.
• Build cabinets and wire panels, taking ownership from electrical design to commissioning.
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams on timelines.

Skills

Test automation

Industrial automation

EtherCAT

PLC programming

TwinCAT 3

Electrical wiring

Education

Electrical Engineering

Computer Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT 3

EtherCAT Master

Job description

Varda Space Industries, Inc. is seeking an Automation and Controls Engineer to build and qualify ground support equipment for spaceflight hardware. You will design test systems, integrate diverse hardware, and develop the PLC framework to support evolving program needs.

The role requires a Bachelor's in engineering and 2+ years in automation, with hands-on EtherCAT and TwinCAT 3 experience. On-site in El Segundo, CA, with strong growth opportunities.