Senior Controls Engineer, PLC/Beckhoff

About the role

E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems. The E-Space Manufacturing team builds the world's most advanced aerospace products at high rate and high precision. As a Senior Controls Engineer, you'll architect, program, and deploy the Beckhoff-based control systems that run our robotic and precision-assembly lines. You'll be the dedicated controls owner the team needs — relieving today's reliance on a handful of people — and combine strong software design with hands-on hardware integration to deliver world-class reliability and throughput. This position reports to the Manufacturing Engineering leadership team.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain automation controls using Beckhoff PLCs (CX / IPC series) and TwinCAT 3
• Write structured, modular code in Structured Text (ST) and Function Block Diagram (FBD)
• Configure EtherCAT topologies, motion axes, and I/O mapping for deterministic real-time control
• Implement state machines, PID loops, and coordinated motion for robotics, conveyors, and process equipment
• Integrate Beckhoff systems with ABB and Fanuc robots and external sensors over TCP/IP, OPC-UA, and Modbus-TCP
• Lead on-site commissioning, real-time debugging, trace analysis, and handover of production cells
• Implement and maintain machine safety logic, interlocks, and alarms
• Develop and maintain code libraries, templates, and configuration-management standards
• Support MES and ERP data connectivity for traceability and production analytics

Requirements

• 5+ years of hands-on controls engineering in production automation
• Deep Beckhoff / TwinCAT 3 expertise — Structured Text, FBD, EtherCAT, and motion control
• Experience integrating PLCs with industrial robots (ABB, Fanuc, or similar)
• Strong grasp of servo drives, electrical schematics, and industrial communication protocols
• Experience implementing machine safety standards (interlocks, E-stops, safety PLCs)
• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls, or equivalent

Preferred qualifications

• Both ABB and Fanuc integration experience
• Aerospace, semiconductor, or satellite manufacturing background
• Experience with vision systems, web handling, or vacuum-based equipment
• MES / ERP integration experience

Location & employment type

This is a full-time, exempt position based out of our Arlington, TX facility. E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Continuous learning and development
• Health and wellness care options
• Financial solutions for the future
• Optional legal services (US only)
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off