Senior Space Automation & Test Systems Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Equity incentives

Comprehensive health plan

401(k) matching

Job summary

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA seeks a Senior Automation and Controls Engineer to build bespoke test infrastructure for spaceflight hardware qualification. You will design, develop, and own GSE and test systems including propulsion test stands and environmental chambers.

The role emphasizes real-time PLC-based control using TwinCAT 3, EtherCAT tooling, and safety-critical engineering. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to push rapid, reliable testing in a start-up space

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 integrating with industrial hardware over EtherCAT, Modbus (TCP/RTU), RS-232/485.
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 with IEC 61131-3.
• Comfort across the full stack: electrical panel design, wiring cabinets, debugging hardware, and control software.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain test systems and GSE for flight hardware qualification and manufacturing operations.
• Integrate with external hardware (thermovac chambers, ovens, chillers, etc.).
• Develop and extend internal PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling.
• Evaluate real-time control approaches (TwinCAT 3 vs Linux-based) for high-frequency control.
• Build cabinets, wire panels, and own end-to-end system commissioning.
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams to meet aggressive timelines.

Skills

Industrial automation

EtherCAT

TwinCAT 3

PLC programming

Python orchestration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT 3

EtherCAT tooling

Modbus

RS-232/485

HMI/SCADA integration

Job description

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA seeks a Senior Automation and Controls Engineer to build bespoke test infrastructure for spaceflight hardware qualification. You will design, develop, and own GSE and test systems including propulsion test stands and environmental chambers.

The role emphasizes real-time PLC-based control using TwinCAT 3, EtherCAT tooling, and safety-critical engineering. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to push rapid, reliable testing in a start-up space