Senior Space Test Systems Engineer - Automation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Long-term incentives

Job summary

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA, seeks a Senior Terrestrial Mechanical Design & Test Engineer, Automation, to build bespoke ground support equipment and test systems for orbit-qualified hardware. You will own complex test platforms from concept through fabrication, assembly, commissioning, and ongoing support.

The role integrates mechanical, electrical, fluid, and instrumentation subsystems with a modern PLC/Beckhoff EtherCAT stack.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in mechanical design or industrial automation.
• Experience with SolidWorks/NX CAD or comparable.
• Experience wiring cabinets, PLCs, harnesses.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain test systems and GSE for flight hardware qualification and manufacturing operations.
• Ensure uptime >99% and reliable performance of test infrastructure.
• Be the Responsible Engineer for test infrastructure including centrifuges, TVACs and test stands.
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams to meet timelines.

Skills

SolidWorks

NX CAD

Electrical wiring

EtherCAT

PLC systems

HIL testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX CAD

Altium

EPLAN

Job description

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA, seeks a Senior Terrestrial Mechanical Design & Test Engineer, Automation, to build bespoke ground support equipment and test systems for orbit-qualified hardware. You will own complex test platforms from concept through fabrication, assembly, commissioning, and ongoing support.

The role integrates mechanical, electrical, fluid, and instrumentation subsystems with a modern PLC/Beckhoff EtherCAT stack.