Senior Mechanical Test & Automation Engineer Space

Telemetry Today LLC; El Segundo, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible PTO

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

Relocation assistance

Stock options

401(k) with match

Wellness reimbursement

Commuter benefits

Family leave

Job summary

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA seeks a Senior Mechanical Design & Test Engineer, Automation to build bespoke test infrastructure for spaceflight hardware qualification. You will design, integrate, and own sophisticated test platforms including propulsion test stands and environmental chambers.

The role requires hands-on mechanical, electrical and instrumentation work, plus PLC programming and a strong habit of documentation. On-site position with competitive benefits and stock options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design or industrial automation.
• Extensive experience using SolidWorks, NX CAD or comparable.
• Experience with electrical wiring for cabinets, PLCs, harnesses, connectors.
• Experience with Altium or comparable schematic design software; migrating to EPLAN.
• Hands-on experience with high-pressure gas or fluid systems.
• Environmental test experience including TVAC, thermal cycling, and vibration testing.
• Experience developing propulsion test stands or complex, multi-subsystem test infrastructure.
• Hands-on experience integrating with industrial hardware over EtherCAT, Modbus, RS-232/485.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain test systems and ground support equipment for flight hardware qualification and manufacturing operations.
• Test infrastructure achieves >99% uptime and predictable performance.
• Be the Responsible Engineer for test infrastructure including centrifuges, TVACs, prop test stands and gas benches.
• Build cabinets, wire panels, and own systems end-to-end from electrical design through commissioning.
• Partner with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams to deliver test infrastructure on tight timelines.
• Read, deploy and edit Varda's internal PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling to support evolving program needs.
• Champion sustainable engineering practices and ensure thorough documentation and schematics.

Skills

Mechanical design

Industrial automation

SolidWorks

NX CAD

PLC programming

EtherCAT

Altium

Beckhoff TwinCAT 3

Instrumentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX CAD

Altium

EPLAN

TwinCAT 3

EtherCAT tooling

Job description

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA seeks a Senior Mechanical Design & Test Engineer, Automation to build bespoke test infrastructure for spaceflight hardware qualification. You will design, integrate, and own sophisticated test platforms including propulsion test stands and environmental chambers.

The role requires hands-on mechanical, electrical and instrumentation work, plus PLC programming and a strong habit of documentation. On-site position with competitive benefits and stock options.