Senior Spaceflight Automation & Controls Engineer

Varda Space Industries

El Segundo (CA)

On-site

USD 140,000 - 179,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Relocation support

401(k) with 6% match

Medical insurance for dependents

Wellness reimbursement

Company-paid PTO & holidays

Job summary

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Senior Automation and Controls Engineer to design and qualify ground test infrastructure for orbit hardware in El Segundo, CA. You will build and own GSE, test stands, and integration testing, using a modern stack including Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and EtherCAT tooling.

You’ll influence architecture and set standards across programs. The role requires 5+ years in automation, expertise in PLC-based control, and hands-on electrical design from panels to commissioning.

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 protocols.
Hands-on with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3, IEC 61131-3 language.
Across-stack skills: electrical panel design, wiring, and control software.

Responsibilities

Design, build, and maintain test systems and GSE for flight hardware qualification and manufacturing operations.
Integrate with thermal vacuum chambers, ovens, chillers, pressure systems, data acquisition, and sensors.
Develop and extend internal PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling.
Evaluate real-time control approaches (PLC vs Linux) for high-frequency control.
Build cabinets, wire panels, and manage end-to-end deployment.
Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams on timelines.
Champion sustainable engineering practices and onboard new engineers.