Senior Automation and Controls Engineer, Test Systems

Telemetry Today LLC

El Segundo (CA)

On-site

USD 140,000 - 179,000

Full time

2 days ago

Be an early applicant

Get a reply from this employer

Your resume and cover letter, tailored to exactly what they’re hiring for.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Long-term cash awards

Job summary

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA is seeking a Senior Automation & Controls Engineer to design, build, and own test infrastructure for spaceflight hardware qualification. You will develop and extend a modern PLC framework using Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and EtherCAT tooling, interfacing with environmental chambers, propulsion test stands, and data acquisition systems.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) and 5+ years in test automation or industrial

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field.
5+ years of industry experience in test automation, controls, and/or industrial automation.
Hands-on experience with EtherCAT, Modbus (TCP/RTU), RS-232/485, or similar protocols.
Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and IEC 61131-3 (structured text).
End-to-end ownership of electrical design, wiring, and commissioning.

Responsibilities

Design, build, and maintain test systems and ground support equipment (GSE) for flight hardware qualification.
Integrate with external hardware including environmental chambers, ovens, chillers, and data acquisition hardware.
Develop and extend Varda's PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling for evolving program needs.
Evaluate real-time control approaches, PLC-based (TwinCAT 3) vs Linux-based for high-frequency control.
Build cabinets, wire panels, and own systems end-to-end from electrical design through commissioning.