Senior Space Ground Systems Automation & Test Engineer

Varda Space Industries

Long Beach (CA)

On-site

USD 140,000 - 179,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Stock options and/or long-term cash</n

Stock options and/or long-term cash

Job summary

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA seeks a Senior Automation & Controls Engineer to design, build, and own ground test systems for spaceflight hardware qualification and manufacturing. You will develop a modern PLC framework (Beckhoff TwinCAT 3) and integrate diverse hardware from environmental chambers to propulsion test stands, delivering reliable test infrastructure on aggressive timelines.

Join a fast-paced startup environment where end-to-end ownership is expected.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
5+ years in test automation, controls, or industrial automation.
Experience with EtherCAT, Modbus, RS-232/485 or similar.
Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 experience or eagerness to develop it.
Design electrical panels, wire cabinets, and write control software.
Fast-paced startup environment with end-to-end ownership.

Responsibilities

Design, build, and maintain test systems and GSE for flight hardware qualification.
Integrate with external hardware like thermal chambers, ovens, and pressure systems.
Develop and extend PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling.
Evaluate real-time control options (TwinCAT 3 vs Linux) for high-frequency control.
Assemble cabinets, wire panels, and own systems end-to-end.
Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams to meet timelines.
Champion sustainable engineering practices for quick ramp-up of new engineers.