Senior Spaceflight Mechanical Test Engineer, Automation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Relocation assistance

Health insurance

401(k) match

Gym reimbursement

Job summary

Varda Space Industries seeks a Senior Mechanical Test Engineer, Automation to design and maintain bespoke test infrastructure for orbit hardware qualification. You will own GSE, propulsion test stands, environmental chambers, and end-to-end test platforms, collaborating with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams in a fast-paced startup setting.

You will champion robust PLC systems, integrate with EtherCAT and other protocols, and mentor new engineers while ensuring high uptime and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in mechanical design or industrial automation.
• SolidWorks or NX CAD experience.
• Electrical wiring for cabinets, PLCs, harnesses, connectors.
• Altium; migrating to EPLAN.
• Hands-on with high‑pressure gas or fluid systems.
• Environmental testing (TVAC, thermal cycling, vibration).
• Experience developing propulsion test stands.
• Experience with EtherCAT, Modbus, RS-232/485.
• Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 or eagerness to develop.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain test systems and GSE for flight hardware qualification.
• Ensure >99% uptime and reliable performance of test infrastructure.
• Serve as Responsible Engineer for test infra including centrifuges and TVACs.
• Build cabinets and wire panels; own systems end-to-end from design to commissioning.
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams to meet deadlines.
• Read and adapt Varda's PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling as needed.
• Promote sustainable engineering practices and thorough documentation.

Skills

Startup experience

Industrial automation

Industrial communication

PLC systems

Environmental testing

Propulsion test stands

EtherCAT/Modbus integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX CAD

Altium

EPLAN

Beckhoff TwinCAT 3

EtherCAT tooling

Job description

Varda Space Industries seeks a Senior Mechanical Test Engineer, Automation to design and maintain bespoke test infrastructure for orbit hardware qualification. You will own GSE, propulsion test stands, environmental chambers, and end-to-end test platforms, collaborating with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams in a fast-paced startup setting.

You will champion robust PLC systems, integrate with EtherCAT and other protocols, and mentor new engineers while ensuring high uptime and