What you will do (Job Responsibilities)Our Controls & Automation team builds bespoke test infrastructure that qualifies spaceflight hardware for orbit. You will 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. You will have a meaningful impact on architecture decisions, and the chance to define standards that will outlast any single program.
- Design, 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.
What you will bring (Basic Qualifications)- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related 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: writing control software, designing electrical panels, wiring cabinets, and debugging hardware.
- Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment where priorities shift, and end-to-end ownership of problems is expected.
What would be a plus (Preferred Qualifications)- Strong intuition for when to use real-time PLC code versus higher-level Python orchestration, and a clear understanding of the tradeoffs between the two.
- Experience working with custom or in-house control frameworks, rather than relying solely on vendor-provided stacks.
- Advanced EtherCAT expertise beyond consumer-level usage - 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.
How Varda compensates- Salary range: $140,000 - $179,000 annually.
- Eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards.
- 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.
- Offer compensation also includes the ability to receive stock options under the Company's Equity Incentive Plan.
BenefitsVarda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well-being, and a high-quality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what full-time employees receive (at this time, interns receive a subset of benefits):
Health & Wellness - Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
- 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
- Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
- $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
- 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
- Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
- Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
Financial & Retirement - Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
- 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
- $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
- Relocation support for new hires, if needed
Workplace Experience & Perks - Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
- Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
- Complimentary EV charging
