Senior Automation & Controls Engineer

Senior Automation And Controls EngineerThe Senior Automation And Controls Engineer builds bespoke test infrastructure that qualifies spaceflight hardware for orbit. They design, build, and own sophisticated ground support equipment (GSE) and test systems: propulsion test stands, environmental qualification chambers, spacecraft-level integration testing and more! Our stack is modern, including a custom PLC framework and Beckhoff EtherCAT tooling built in-house. They will have a meaningful impact on architecture decisions, and the chance to define standards that will outlast any single program.ResponsibilitiesDesign, build, and maintain test systems and ground support equipment (GSE) for flight hardware qualification and manufacturing operations.Integrate with a wide range of external hardware, including thermal vacuum chambers, ovens, chillers, pressure systems, data acquisition hardware, and precision instrumentation.Develop and extend Varda's internal PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling to support evolving program needs.Contribute to architecture decisions on real-time control implementation, including evaluation of PLC-based (TwinCAT 3) versus Linux-based approaches for high-frequency control applications.Build cabinets, wire panels, and own systems end-to-end from electrical design through commissioning.Partner with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams to deliver test infrastructure that meets their needs on aggressive timelines.Champion sustainable engineering practices that enable new engineers to ramp quickly on the tech stack and maintain production systems reliably.Basic QualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field.5+ years of industry experience in test automation, controls, and/or industrial automation.Hands-on experience integrating with industrial hardware over protocols such as EtherCAT, Modbus (TCP/RTU), RS-232/485 serial, or similar communication standards.Experience with at least one modern PLC ecosystem - ideally Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 with structured text (IEC 61131-3), or a demonstrated eagerness to develop deep expertise there.Comfort working across the full stack: designing electrical panels, wiring cabinets, debugging hardware, and writing control software.Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment where priorities shift, and end-to-end ownership of problems is expected.Preferred Skills And ExperienceStrong intuition for when to use real-time PLC code versus higher-level Python orchestration, and a strong understanding of the tradeoff.Experience working with custom or in-house control frameworks, rather than relying solely on vendor-provided stacks.Advanced EtherCAT expertise - including DC sync, ENI configuration, master implementation, or driver-level work.Production experience with TwinCAT 3, structured text, and the broader IEC 61131-3 language suite.Experience designing deterministic, hard real-time control loops with sub-millisecond cycle times.Familiarity with time-series data acquisition and visualization tools such as Grafana, InfluxDB, or similar platforms.Aerospace experience, particularly in spacecraft testing or GSE development.Environmental test experience, including TVAC, thermal cycling, and vibration testing.Hands-on experience working with high-pressure gas or fluid systems.Experience developing propulsion test stands or other complex, multi-subsystem test infrastructure.Familiarity with spacecraft qualification standards and associated documentation requirements.Experience developing safety-related control systems and evaluating proposed solutions for reducing safety-related risks.Pay RangeSalary range: Senior: $140,333 - $179,314/ per year.This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA.Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance.You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards.BenefitsConsider your benefits covered for launch. At Varda, we invest in benefits and perks that support your health, financial well-being, and life beyond work. Benefits vary by position, with packages designed specifically for our regular full-time employees and interns.Regular Full-Time Positions:Health & WellnessFlexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA optionsVoluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance$120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven ClinicSponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependentsFinancial & RetirementSubstantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)$20/pay period cell phone reimbursementRelocation support for new hires, if neededWorkplace Experience & PerksFully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weeklyCompany and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrationsComplimentary EV chargingIntern Positions:Health & WellnessPaid observed holidays100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options$120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expensesSponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependentsFinancial$20/pay period cell phone reimbursementUp to $4,000 gross up in relocation support, if eligibleUp to $850 commute credit through Lyft or car rental reimbursement, if eligibleWorkplace Experience & PerksFully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weeklyCompany and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrationsComplimentary EV chargingITAR RequirementsVarda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our policy is to only hire "U.S. persons" who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license."US person" means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum).E-Verify StatementVarda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.E-Verify Notice Right To Work NoticeVarda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other