CONTROLS & AUTOMATION ENGINEER – TEST & LAUNCH

Leapspace; Broomfield (CO); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity Program

Retirement Planning (401k)

Growth Opportunities stipend

Flexible Time Off

Hybrid work model

Health Benefits

Insurance Coverage

Job summary

LEAP is seeking an Automation Engineer – Test & Launch in Broomfield, CO to design, develop, and maintain automation that supports rocket engine testing and launch operations. You will build HMIs, integrate sensors and control hardware, and ensure reliable, safe automated ground systems for rapid development and higher launch cadence.

You will collaborate with Test & Launch, GSE, Avionics, and Software teams to deliver scalable, automated solutions and robust fault detection across facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Controls Engineering or related field.
• 3–8+ years of experience in automation or control systems.
• Experience with PLC programming and real-time automation platforms.
• Strong understanding of instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Experience integrating sensors, actuators, and industrial networks.
• Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain automation systems for rocket engine test stands and launch facilities.
• Develop automated control sequences for propellant loading, system chilldown, pressurization, and vent operations.
• Implement remote monitoring and control of test and launch facilities.
• Develop HMIs and health monitoring dashboards for operators.
• Ensure safe, reliable automated launch operations with fault detection and recovery.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial control systems

Real-time automation platforms

Instrumentation & data acquisition

Sensors & actuators integration

Troubleshooting & debugging

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Controls Engineering

Tools

Ignition SCADA

Wonderware

FactoryTalk

EtherCAT

EtherNet/IP

Modbus TCP

CAN

OPC UA

Python

C#

C++

Job description

LEAP CONTROLS & AUTOMATION ENGINEER – TEST & LAUNCH Broomfield, CO·Full time Company website

The Automation Engineer – Test & Launch is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the automation and control systems that support rocket engine testing, stage testing, and launch operations. This role develops the software and hardware that enables operators to remotely control, monitor, and automate ground systems including propellant loading, valve sequencing, ignition operations, safety interlocks, and data acquisition. You will design intuitive Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), integrate instrumentation and control hardware, and ensure reliable operation of automated test and launch systems. Working closely with Test & Launch Engineering, Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Engineering, Avionics, and Software teams, you will help build a safe, reliable, and highly automated launch operation capable of supporting rapid development and increasing launch cadence.

About LEAP

LEAP is transforming space logistics with rapid-response, mass producible launch solutions designed to eliminate bottlenecks in space access. Leveraging proprietary propulsion technology and modern manufacturing techniques, LEAP delivers scalable and cost-effective, launch solutions for national security, commercial payload deployment, and global point-to-point logistics applications.

Description

Core Responsibilities

• Design, develop, andmaintainautomation systems for rocket engine test stands and launch facilities.
• Develop automated control sequences for:
• Propellant loading and unloading
• Systemchilldown
• Pressurization and vent operations
• Engine startup and shutdown
• Test sequencing
• Launch countdown operations
• Develop systems supporting remote monitoring and control of test and launch facilities.
• Implement automated fault detection and system recovery whereappropriate.
• Develop operational status dashboards and health monitoring tools.

What You Bring to the Team

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, ora related field.
• 3–8+ years of experience developing industrial automation or control systems.
• Experience with PLC programming, industrial control systems, or real-time automation platforms.
• Strong understanding of instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Experience integrating sensors, actuators, and industrial communication networks.
• Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills.

Bonus Points

• Experience supporting rocket engine testing or launch operations.
• Experience working in hazardous or high-energy test environments.
• Experience with Ignition SCADA, Wonderware, FactoryTalk, or similar HMI platforms.
• Familiarity withEtherCAT,EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, CAN, OPC UA, or similar industrial communication protocols.
• Experience with Python, C#, or C++ for automation and data processing.

Compensation

Salary Range: $100,000 - $175,000

The estimated salary range for this role reflects various compensation factors. The final offer depends on factors such as work experience, education, training, key skills, and business needs.

In addition, LEAP provides a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, which includes:

• Equity Program:As an early team member, LEAP’s equity plangives you a stake in the company’s success, aligning your contributions with long-term growth.
• Retirement Planning:Save for the future with a 401(k) plan that includes competitive company matching.
• Growth Opportunities:Take advantage of a professional development stipend to advance your skills andexpertise.
• Flexible Time Off:Enjoy PTO as needed and holiday breaks to help you balance work and life, including twoweek longcompany winter breaks and paid leave to support a family member, bond with a new child, or manage your own health needs
• Remote Work Flexibility:Our teamoperateson a hybrid model. We expect you to work with your team for specific details onworklocation.
• Health Benefits:LEAP provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage atminimal to nocost for employees.Coveragefor dependents and HSA are also available.
• Insurance Coverage:We cover basic life and long-term disability insurance, with options to add extra coverage to ensure peace of mind for you and your family.

LEAP is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace in Colorado. Our team brings together exceptionally talented and diverse individuals who are pushing the boundaries of space access andlogistics. We welcome all qualified applicants and provide equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. This includes individuals with a criminal history, in compliance with applicable regulations. We actively encourage applications from minorities, women, Veterans, and people with disabilities. At LEAP, we strive to create a supportive and welcoming environment throughout the hiring process. Ifyou’reexcited about making a real-world impactinspace technology, we want to hear from you!