Senior Software Automation and Controls Engineer - Python & PLCs

About the role

Varda is seeking a Senior Software Automation and Controls Engineer to join our dynamic team. This role involves designing, building, and maintaining test systems and ground support equipment for flight hardware qualification and manufacturing. You will integrate with a variety of external hardware and contribute to architecture decisions on real-time control implementation.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain test systems and ground support equipment for flight hardware qualification and manufacturing
• Integrate with a wide range of external hardware: thermal vacuum chambers, ovens, chillers, pressure systems, data acquisition hardware, and instrumentation
• Develop and extend our internal PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling
• Contribute to architecture decisions on real-time control implementation, including evaluation of PLC-based (TwinCAT 3) vs. 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
• Demonstrate sustainable engineering practices that help onboard new engineers to the tech stack and maintain production systems

Requirements

• BS in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of industry experience in test automation, controls, or industrial automation
• Strong Python skills, particularly for hardware control or test automation applications
• Hands-on experience integrating with industrial hardware over protocols like EtherCAT, Modbus(TCP/TRU), serial (RS232/485), or similar
• Experience with at least one modern PLC ecosystem, ideally Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 with structured text (IEC 61131-3) or willingness to develop deep expertise there
• Comfort working across the stack: writing control software, designing electrical panels, wiring cabinets, debugging hardware
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment where priorities shift and you're expected to own problems end-to-end

Basic Qualifications

• BS in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of industry experience in test automation, controls, or industrial automation
• Strong Python skills, particularly for hardware control or test automation applications
• Hands-on experience integrating with industrial hardware over protocols like EtherCAT, Modbus(TCP/TRU), serial (RS232/485), or similar
• Experience with at least one modern PLC ecosystem, ideally Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 with structured text (IEC 61131-3) or willingness to develop deep expertise there
• Comfort working across the stack: writing control software, designing electrical panels, wiring cabinets, debugging hardware
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment where priorities shift and you're expected to own problems end-to-end

Pay Range

Salary range: $169,000.00 - $216,00.00 annually

This role is on-site in El Segundo, CAL

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

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
• ITAR Requirements
• Varda, 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.
• E-Verify Statement
• Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program.
• E-Verify Notice
• Right To Work Notice
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• EEO Statement
• Varda 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, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.