Spaceflight Test Automation Engineer II

Varda Space Industries; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Varda Space Industries is seeking an Automation and Controls Engineer II to design and own test infrastructure for space hardware. You will build ground support equipment, integrate with thermal vacuum systems, and shape real-time control strategies.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in industrial automation, strong EtherCAT/PLC skills, and experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3; aerospace experience is a plus. Join a fast-growing space company.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field.
• 2+ years in test automation, controls, or industrial automation.
• Hands-on with EtherCAT, Modbus, RS-232/485 or similar.
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and IEC 61131-3.
• Ability to design electrical panels and wiring, and write control software.
• Thrives in a fast-paced startup environment with ownership.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain GSE for flight hardware qualification.
• Integrate hardware across thermal vacuum, ovens, chillers, and testers.
• Develop and extend PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling.
• Evaluate real-time control strategies: PLC vs Linux.
• Build cabinets and wire panels; end-to-end system ownership.
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams.

Skills

EtherCAT

Beckhoff TwinCAT 3

PLC programming

Electrical panels

Real-time control

Data acquisition

Industrial automation

Python orchestration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

EtherCAT tooling

Modbus

IEC 61131-3

Job description

Varda Space Industries is seeking an Automation and Controls Engineer II to design and own test infrastructure for space hardware. You will build ground support equipment, integrate with thermal vacuum systems, and shape real-time control strategies.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in industrial automation, strong EtherCAT/PLC skills, and experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3; aerospace experience is a plus. Join a fast-growing space company.