Space Hardware Controls Engineer II — Test Automation & GSE

Varda Space Industries; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Relocation support

On-site amenities

Job summary

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA is seeking an Hardware Automation and Controls Engineer II to build ground support equipment and test systems for spaceflight hardware qualification and manufacturing operations.

You will design, implement, and own PLC-based and Linux-based control systems, extend a modern PLC framework, and partner with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams on aggressive timelines. This role offers on-site work with stock options and relocation support.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of industry experience in test automation, controls, and/or industrial automation.
• Hands‑on experience integrating with industrial hardware over protocols such as EtherCAT, Modbus (TCP/RTU), RS-232/485 serial, or similar communication standards.
• Experience with at least one modern PLC ecosystem - ideally Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 with structured text (IEC 61131-3).

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain test systems and ground support equipment (GSE) for flight hardware qualification and manufacturing operations.
• Integrate with a wide range of external hardware, including thermal vacuum chambers, ovens, chillers, pressure systems, data acquisition hardware, and precision instrumentation.
• Develop and extend Varda's internal PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling to support evolving program needs.
• Contribute to architecture decisions on real-time control implementation, including evaluation of PLC-based (TwinCAT 3) versus Linux-based approaches for high-frequency control applications.
• Build cabinets, wire panels, and own systems end-to-end from electrical design through commissioning.
• Partner with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams to deliver test infrastructure that meets their needs on aggressive timelines.
• Champion sustainable engineering practices that enable new engineers to ramp quickly on the tech stack and maintain production systems reliably.

Skills

Test automation

Controls

Industrial automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT 3

EtherCAT

Modbus

Job description

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA is seeking an Hardware Automation and Controls Engineer II to build ground support equipment and test systems for spaceflight hardware qualification and manufacturing operations.

You will design, implement, and own PLC-based and Linux-based control systems, extend a modern PLC framework, and partner with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams on aggressive timelines. This role offers on-site work with stock options and relocation support.