Automation & Controls Engineer: Tooling & Python

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Relocation support

Medical insurance

401(k) match

Job summary

Varda Space Industries seeks an Automation and Controls Engineer to design, implement, and own ground support equipment and test systems for spaceflight hardware. You will work with a modern stack including Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and EtherCAT, shaping architecture decisions and ensuring robust end-to-end test infrastructure.

Join a fast-paced startup with on-site responsibilities in El Segundo, CA, offering stock options, relocation support, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in test automation, controls, or industrial automation.
• Hands-on experience integrating with industrial hardware over EtherCAT, Modbus, RS-232/485, or similar protocols.
• Experience with at least one modern PLC ecosystem – ideally Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 with structured text (IEC 61131-3).

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain test systems and GSE for flight hardware qualification and manufacturing operations.
• Integrate with external hardware such as thermal vacuum chambers, ovens, chillers, and data acquisition hardware.
• Develop and extend Varda's PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling to support evolving needs.
• Contribute to architecture decisions on real-time control implementation (TwinCAT 3 vs Linux).
• Build cabinets, wire panels, and own systems end-to-end from electrical design to commissioning.
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams to meet timelines.
• Champion sustainable engineering practices and onboarding for new engineers.

Skills

Test automation

Controls engineering

Industrial hardware

EtherCAT

TwinCAT 3

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT 3

EtherCAT tooling

Electrical panel wiring

Job description

Varda Space Industries seeks an Automation and Controls Engineer to design, implement, and own ground support equipment and test systems for spaceflight hardware. You will work with a modern stack including Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and EtherCAT, shaping architecture decisions and ensuring robust end-to-end test infrastructure.

Join a fast-paced startup with on-site responsibilities in El Segundo, CA, offering stock options, relocation support, and a comprehensive benefits package.