Spaceflight Test Automation Engineer II

Front Door Defense; El Segundo, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthy benefits package

Stock options

Relocation assistance

On-site amenities

Job summary

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Mechanical Design and Test Engineer II, Automation in El Segundo, CA to lead ground test systems for spaceflight hardware. You will design and deploy GSE such as propulsion test stands, environmental chambers, and integration testing platforms, integrating mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation subsystems.

The role emphasizes high uptime, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and hands-on development from concept through commissioning, with a modern

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years in mechanical design or industrial automation.
• Strong experience with SolidWorks/NX CAD or equivalent.
• Experience wiring cabinets, PLCs, harnesses and connectors.
• Hands-on with high-pressure gas or fluid systems and environmental testing.
• Experience with EtherCAT, Modbus, RS-232/485 or similar protocols.
• Familiarity with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and IEC 61131-3 would be ideal.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced startup with end-to-end ownership.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain test systems and GSE for flight hardware qualification and manufacturing operations.
• Ensure test infrastructure uptime >99% and predictable performance.
• Serve as Responsible Engineer for test infrastructure including centrifuges, TVACs, and test stands.
• Build cabinets and wire panels; own systems end-to-end from electrical design through commissioning.
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams to meet demanding timelines.
• Read and modify internal PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling to support program needs.
• Champion sustainable engineering practices and thorough documentation.

Skills

Multi-disciplinary collaboration

Fast-paced startup

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX CAD

Altium

Beckhoff TwinCAT 3

EtherCAT

PLC cabinets

EPLAN

Job description

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Mechanical Design and Test Engineer II, Automation in El Segundo, CA to lead ground test systems for spaceflight hardware. You will design and deploy GSE such as propulsion test stands, environmental chambers, and integration testing platforms, integrating mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation subsystems.

The role emphasizes high uptime, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and hands-on development from concept through commissioning, with a modern