GSE & Automation Engineer — Python, TwinCAT & PLCs

Uncover; El Segundo (CA); Hybrid; USD 109,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible PTO

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

Wellness reimbursement

Parental leave

Maven Clinic access

One Medical membership

Pet insurance

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA, is hiring a design/automation engineer to lead GSE and test-system development for flight hardware. You will design, assemble, and qualify test infrastructure, collaborating with propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing teams in a fast-paced startup environment.

Required are a STEM degree and 2+ years in test automation and controls. Experience with EtherCAT, Modbus, and TwinCAT 3 is highly valued, with a strong ownership mindset and the ability to work

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or 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.
• Experience with at least one modern PLC ecosystem - Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 with structured text (IEC 61131-3).
• Comfort across full stack: control software, electrical panels, wiring cabinets, and debugging hardware.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup with end-to-end ownership.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and own GSE and test systems: propulsion test stands, environmental chambers, and integration testing.
• Our stack is modern, including a custom PLC framework and Beckhoff EtherCAT tooling.
• You will influence architecture decisions and define standards that outlast programs.
• Design, build, and maintain test systems and GSE for flight hardware qualification and manufacturing.
• Integrate with external hardware such as thermal vacuum chambers, ovens, chillers, and data acquisition hardware.
• Develop and extend Varda's internal PLC framework to support evolving program needs.
• Contribute to real-time control decisions, comparing PLC-based vs Linux-based approaches for high-frequency control.
• Build cabinets, wire panels, and own systems end-to-end from electrical design through commissioning.
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams to meet aggressive timelines.

Skills

Electrical Eng

Controls experience

EtherCAT/Modbus

TwinCAT 3

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

TwinCAT 3

Job description

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA, is hiring a design/automation engineer to lead GSE and test-system development for flight hardware. You will design, assemble, and qualify test infrastructure, collaborating with propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing teams in a fast-paced startup environment.

Required are a STEM degree and 2+ years in test automation and controls. Experience with EtherCAT, Modbus, and TwinCAT 3 is highly valued, with a strong ownership mindset and the ability to work