Senior Space Automation & Controls Engineer — Real-Time Test Systems

Varda Space Industries, Inc.; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Long-term cash awards

Job summary

Varda Space Industries, Inc. is seeking a Senior Automation & Controls Engineer to build bespoke test infrastructure for in-space hardware qualification. The role involves designing, building, and maintaining GSE and test systems, including propulsion test stands and environmental qualification chambers.

The stack includes a custom PLC framework and Beckhoff EtherCAT tooling. You will influence architecture decisions for real-time control, work across electrical design to commissioning, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in test automation and controls.
• Hands-on with EtherCAT, Modbus TCP/RTU, RS-232/485.
• Experience with PLC ecosystems, preferably TwinCAT 3.
• Ability to design electrical panels and wiring.
• Thrives in fast-paced startup environment with ownership.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain test systems and GSE for flight hardware.
• Integrate with thermal vacuum chambers, ovens, chillers, data acquisition.
• Develop and extend PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling.
• Contribute to architecture decisions for real-time control.
• Build cabinets and wire panels end-to-end from design to commissioning.
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams.
• Promote sustainable engineering practices and ramp new engineers.

Skills

Test automation

Industrial automation

EtherCAT

TwinCAT 3

PLC programming

Electrical design

Hardware debugging

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical Eng

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT 3

Modbus TCP/RTU

RS-232/485

Job description

Varda Space Industries, Inc. is seeking a Senior Automation & Controls Engineer to build bespoke test infrastructure for in-space hardware qualification. The role involves designing, building, and maintaining GSE and test systems, including propulsion test stands and environmental qualification chambers.

The stack includes a custom PLC framework and Beckhoff EtherCAT tooling. You will influence architecture decisions for real-time control, work across electrical design to commissioning, and