Space Systems Automation Engineer II

Varda Space Industries

United States

On-site

USD 90,000 - 130,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA is seeking an Automation and Controls Engineer II to build bespoke test infrastructure for spaceflight hardware qualification. You will design, build, and own GSE, test stands, environmental chambers, and end-to-end test systems using a modern PLC framework.

Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and EtherCAT is preferred. You will collaborate with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams on aggressive timelines, helping shape architecture decisions

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
2+ years of industry experience in test automation, controls, and/or industrial automation.
Hands-on experience integrating with industrial hardware over EtherCAT, Modbus, RS-232/485, or similar protocols.
Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and IEC 61131-3 languages.
Comfort designing electrical panels, wiring cabinets, and writing control software.
Thrives in a fast-paced startup with end-to-end ownership.

Responsibilities

Design, build, and maintain test systems and GSE for flight hardware qualification and manufacturing operations.
Integrate with external hardware including thermal vacuum chambers, ovens, chillers, pressure systems, data acquisition hardware, and instrumentation.
Develop and extend Varda's PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling to support evolving program needs.
Contribute to architecture decisions on real-time control implementations, including PLC-based vs Linux approaches.
Build cabinets, wire panels, and own systems end-to-end from electrical design through commissioning.
Partner with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams to meet aggressive timelines.
Champion sustainable engineering practices to ramp new engineers on the tech stack.