Senior Ground Systems Test & Controls Engineer

Varda Space Industries, Inc.

El Segundo (CA)

On-site

USD 140,000 - 179,000

Full time

9 hours ago

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Job summary

Varda Space Industries, Inc. is seeking a Senior Ground Systems Automation & Controls Engineer to design and build bespoke test infrastructure for spaceflight hardware qualification in El Segundo, CA.

You will own GSE and test systems, integrating multiple external hardware platforms and advancing a modern PLC/EtherCAT stack. You will influence architecture decisions, extend internal PLC tooling, and collaborate across propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing teams to meet aggressive timelines

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field.
5+ years in test automation, controls, or industrial automation.
Hands-on with EtherCAT, Modbus, RS-232/485 or similar protocols.
Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and IEC 61131-3.
Ability to design electrical panels and wire cabinets; end-to-end troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

Design, build, and maintain test systems and GSE for flight hardware qualification.
Integrate with external hardware: vacuum chambers, ovens, pressure systems, data acquisition.
Develop and extend PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling.
Evaluate real-time control approaches (TwinCAT 3 vs Linux).
Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams to meet timelines.
Champion sustainable engineering practices to onboard new engineers.