Space Test Automation & Controls Engineer

Vardaspace; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Relocation assistance

On-site in El Segundo, CA

Stock options or equity potential

Job summary

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Software Automation and Controls Engineer in El Segundo, CA, to build bespoke test infrastructure for spaceflight hardware qualification. You will design, implement, and own GSE from propulsion test stands to environmental chambers, interfacing with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams.

You will work across software, electrical, and mechanical domains with a modern stack and in-house PLC/EtherCAT tooling.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, or Mechanical Engineering.
• 2+ years in test automation, controls, or industrial automation.
• Strong Python skills for hardware control.
• Hands-on experience with EtherCAT, Modbus, RS-232/485.
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 or willingness to develop expertise.
• Comfort across full stack: software, electrical panels, wiring, and debugging hardware.
• Thrives in a fast-paced startup with end-to-end ownership.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain ground support equipment (GSE) for flight hardware qualification.
• Integrate with thermal vacuum chambers, ovens, chillers, pressure systems, data acquisition hardware.
• Develop and extend Varda's PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling.
• Evaluate real-time control approaches (TwinCAT 3 vs Linux) for high-frequency tasks.
• Build cabinets and wire panels, owning systems end-to-end.
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing to meet timelines.
• Champion sustainable engineering practices for new engineers joining the stack.

Skills

Python

Industrial automation

Test automation

GSE design

Real-time control

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

TwinCAT 3

EtherCAT

Beckhoff PLC

Docker

Job description

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Software Automation and Controls Engineer in El Segundo, CA, to build bespoke test infrastructure for spaceflight hardware qualification. You will design, implement, and own GSE from propulsion test stands to environmental chambers, interfacing with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams.

You will work across software, electrical, and mechanical domains with a modern stack and in-house PLC/EtherCAT tooling.