GSE Automation Engineer: EtherCAT & Space Test Systems

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

On-site in El Segundo, CA

Relocation assistance

Comprehensive benefits

Team events

Job summary

Varda, a space startup based in El Segundo, CA, seeks an Automation & Controls Engineer to design, build, and own ground support equipment for orbit-ready test hardware. You will work on propulsion test stands, environmental chambers, and real-time control systems using Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and IEC 61131-3.

You should have a strong background in industrial automation, EtherCAT, and hardware integration, with a track record of end-to-end ownership in a fast-paced startup.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field required.
• 2+ years in test automation, controls, or industrial automation.
• Hands-on experience with EtherCAT, Modbus, RS-232/485, or similar protocols.
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 or similar PLC ecosystem.
• Comfort across full stack: control software, electrical panels, wiring, debugging hardware.
• Thrives in fast-paced startup with end-to-end ownership.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain test systems and GSE for flight hardware qualification and manufacturing operations.
• Integrate with external hardware (thermal vacuum chambers, ovens, chillers, pressure systems, data acquisition).
• Develop and extend internal PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling.
• Evaluate real-time control approaches (PLC vs Linux) for high-frequency control.
• Build cabinets, wire panels, and own end-to-end system life cycle.

Skills

Electrical Eng

Controls

Test automation

Industrial automation

EtherCAT

TwinCAT 3

PLC programming

Hardware debugging

Education

Bachelor's in EE

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT 3

IEC 61131-3

Job description

Varda, a space startup based in El Segundo, CA, seeks an Automation & Controls Engineer to design, build, and own ground support equipment for orbit-ready test hardware. You will work on propulsion test stands, environmental chambers, and real-time control systems using Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and IEC 61131-3.

You should have a strong background in industrial automation, EtherCAT, and hardware integration, with a track record of end-to-end ownership in a fast-paced startup.