Spaceflight Mechanical Test Engineer II, Automation

Varda Space Industries, Inc.; El Segundo (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Fully paid health, dental, vision

401(k) with employer match

Job summary

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Mechanical Test Engineer II, Automation to design, build, and maintain bespoke test infrastructure for orbit‑qualified hardware and manufacturing. You will integrate mechanical, electrical, fluid, and instrumentation systems into cohesive test platforms and ensure 99%+ uptime while partnering with propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing teams.

The role requires hands-on experience with PLCs, EtherCAT, and propulsion test stands, plus driving continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field.
• 3+ years in mechanical design or industrial automation.
• Extensive experience with Solidworks, NX CAD or comparable.
• Experience with electrical wiring for cabinets, PLCs, harnesses, connectors.
• Experience with Altium or comparable schematic design software; migrating to EPLAN.
• Hands-on experience with high‑pressure gas or fluid systems.
• Environmental testing including TVAC, thermal cycling, vibration.
• Experience developing propulsion test stands or similar test infrastructure.
• Hands-on integration with industrial hardware over EtherCAT, Modbus, RS‑232/485.
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 (IEC 61131-3).
• Thrives in fast-paced startup environments with end-to-end ownership.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain test systems and GSE for flight hardware qualification and manufacturing, including data acquisition and thermal control.
• Ensure test infrastructure uptime >99% and predictable performance.
• Serve as Responsible Engineer for test infrastructure (centrifuges, TVACs, prop test stands, etc.).
• Build cabinets, wire panels, and own systems end-to-end from design to commissioning.
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing to meet timelines.
• Modify and maintain Varda's PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling as needed.
• Promote sustainable engineering practices and thorough documentation.

Skills

Solidworks

NX CAD

Electrical wiring

Altium

EPLAN

Beckhoff TwinCAT 3

EtherCAT

Modbus

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Related technical field

Tools

NX CAD

Altium

EPLAN

Beckhoff TwinCAT 3

EtherCAT

Modbus

RS-232/485

Job description

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Mechanical Test Engineer II, Automation to design, build, and maintain bespoke test infrastructure for orbit‑qualified hardware and manufacturing. You will integrate mechanical, electrical, fluid, and instrumentation systems into cohesive test platforms and ensure 99%+ uptime while partnering with propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing teams.

The role requires hands-on experience with PLCs, EtherCAT, and propulsion test stands, plus driving continuous