Spaceflight Automation & Controls Engineer (Python)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Relocation support

On-site in El Segundo

Job summary

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA, seeks an Automation and Controls Engineer to design, build, and own ground test systems for spaceflight hardware qualification and manufacturing operations.

You will work with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3, EtherCAT, and various industrial protocols, collaborating with propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing teams to deliver robust test infrastructure on aggressive timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required.
• 2+ years in test automation, controls, or industrial automation.
• Hands-on with EtherCAT, Modbus, RS-232/485 or similar.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain test systems and ground support equipment (GSE).
• Integrate with external hardware including thermal chambers and pressure systems.
• Develop and extend PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling.
• Contribute to real-time control architecture decisions and comparisons (TwinCAT 3 vs Linux).
• Build cabinets, wire panels, and own systems end-to-end from electrical design to commissioning.
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams to meet timelines.
• Champion sustainable engineering practices and ramp up new engineers on the stack.

Skills

Test automation

Industrial automation

EtherCAT

Modbus

RS-232/485

TwinCAT 3

End-to-end ownership

Education

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

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT 3

EtherCAT tooling

Job description

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA, seeks an Automation and Controls Engineer to design, build, and own ground test systems for spaceflight hardware qualification and manufacturing operations.

You will work with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3, EtherCAT, and various industrial protocols, collaborating with propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing teams to deliver robust test infrastructure on aggressive timelines.