GSE Automation Engineer: Python, PLC & Space Test Systems

Varda Space Industries, Inc.; El Segundo (CA); Hybrid; USD 109,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible PTO policy

Stock options and incentives

Relocation support

Job summary

Varda Space Industries, Inc. is seeking a Terrestrial Ground Support Equipment Engineer - Automation & Python to design, build, and own test systems for space hardware qualification. You’ll work on GSE, propulsion tests, and integration environments, delivering robust hardware and software in a fast-paced startup.

You will extend our PLC framework, evaluate TwinCAT 3 vs Linux for high-frequency control, and partner across propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing teams to meet demanding timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of industry experience in test automation, controls, and/or industrial automation.
• Hands-on experience integrating with industrial hardware over EtherCAT, Modbus (TCP/RTU), RS-232/485, or similar protocols.
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 with structured text (IEC 61131-3) or eagerness to develop deep expertise.
• Comfort across the full stack: control software, electrical panels, wiring cabinets, and debugging hardware.
• Thrives in a fast-paced startup environment with end-to-end ownership of problems.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain test systems and ground support equipment (GSE) for flight hardware qualification and manufacturing operations.
• Integrate with external hardware including thermal vacuum chambers, ovens, chillers, pressure systems, and data acquisition hardware.
• Develop and extend Varda's internal PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling to support evolving program needs.
• Contribute to architecture decisions on real-time control implementation (TwinCAT 3 vs Linux-based approaches).
• Build cabinets, wire panels, and own systems end-to-end from electrical design through commissioning.
• Partner with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams to meet aggressive timelines.
• Champion sustainable engineering practices to enable new engineers to ramp quickly on the tech stack.

Skills

Test automation

Controls engineering

Industrial automation

Python scripting

Electrical systems

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT 3

Structured text (IEC 61131-3)

EtherCAT

Modbus (TCP/RTU)

PLC framework development

Electrical panel wiring

Job description

Varda Space Industries, Inc. is seeking a Terrestrial Ground Support Equipment Engineer - Automation & Python to design, build, and own test systems for space hardware qualification. You’ll work on GSE, propulsion tests, and integration environments, delivering robust hardware and software in a fast-paced startup.

You will extend our PLC framework, evaluate TwinCAT 3 vs Linux for high-frequency control, and partner across propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing teams to meet demanding timelines.