Space Automation & Controls Engineer — Beckhoff/Python

Vardaspace; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Long-term cash awards

Relocation assistance

On-site work in El Segundo

Fully stocked kitchen

Job summary

Varda Space Industries is seeking an Automation and Controls engineer to design, build, and own sophisticated ground support equipment for flight hardware qualification. You will work across electrical design, wiring, and commissioning while integrating diverse hardware and PLC systems.

You’ll help shape real-time control strategies, evaluate TwinCAT 3 versus Linux approaches, and collaborate with propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing teams to meet aggressive timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in a related engineering field.
• 2+ years in test automation or controls.
• Hands-on experience with industrial hardware interfaces (EtherCAT/Modbus/RS-232).
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 or eagerness to learn.
• Ability to work across the full stack from electrical design to commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain test systems and GSE for flight hardware qualification.
• Integrate with external hardware like thermal chambers, ovens, chillers, etc.
• Develop and extend internal PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling.
• Contribute to real-time control architecture decisions (TwinCAT 3 vs Linux).
• Build cabinets, wire panels, end-to-end ownership.
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams.
• Champion sustainable engineering practices.

Skills

EtherCAT

TwinCAT 3

PLC programming

Control software

Electrical wiring

Industrial automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer/Mechanical Eng

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 toolkit

HMI/SCADA

Instrumentation

Job description

Varda Space Industries is seeking an Automation and Controls engineer to design, build, and own sophisticated ground support equipment for flight hardware qualification. You will work across electrical design, wiring, and commissioning while integrating diverse hardware and PLC systems.

You’ll help shape real-time control strategies, evaluate TwinCAT 3 versus Linux approaches, and collaborate with propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing teams to meet aggressive timelines.