Space Systems Controls Engineer – Automation & Python

Uncover; El Segundo (CA); Hybrid; USD 109,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible PTO

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance for

Parental leave

Relocation assistance

Stock options

Job summary

Varda Space Industries seeks a hands-on engineer to design, build, and own sophisticated ground support equipment and test systems for flight hardware qualification and manufacturing. You will integrate a broad range of hardware and develop internal PLC frameworks to support evolving program needs.

You will work across propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams to deliver reliable test infrastructure on aggressive timelines, champion sustainable practices, and drive end-to-end ownership

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer/Mechanical engineering or a related field.
• 2+ years in test automation, controls, or industrial automation.
• Hands-on with industrial hardware connectivity: EtherCAT, Modbus, RS-232/485.
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and structured text (IEC 61131-3).
• Ability to work across control software, electrical panels, wiring, and debugging.
• Thrives in fast-paced startup environments with ownership of problems.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and own GSE and test systems for propulsion and manufacturing.
• Develop and extend PLC/ECU test infrastructure and tooling.
• Integrate with external hardware: thermal vacuum chambers, ovens, chillers, pressure systems.
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams.
• Define standards for real-time control implementations (PLC vs Linux).
• Build cabinets and wire panels; oversee end-to-end system integration.
• Champion sustainable engineering practices for quick ramp-up and reliability.
• Support qualification tasks and production test cycles.

Skills

Test automation

Industrial automation

EtherCAT

Beckhoff TwinCAT 3

Structured text

Electrical panels

Debugging hardware

Startup experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer/Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Varda Space Industries seeks a hands-on engineer to design, build, and own sophisticated ground support equipment and test systems for flight hardware qualification and manufacturing. You will integrate a broad range of hardware and develop internal PLC frameworks to support evolving program needs.

You will work across propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams to deliver reliable test infrastructure on aggressive timelines, champion sustainable practices, and drive end-to-end ownership