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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Senior Automation and Controls Software Engineer - **Company:** Varda Space Industries - **Location:** Manhattan Beach, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $140,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Automation of Tests, Linux, Embedded Software, EtherCAT, Python (Programming Language), Modbus, RS-232, Structured Text, Systems Integration, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), DevOps Tools - Open-source, Grafana, Influxdb, Bare Metal, Iec61131-3, Docker, Hardware Debugging, Twincat, Programming Languages - **Published:** June 5, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=d411300b7f9257b8 ## About the Role Do you have experience in Programming languages?, * 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 Preferred Skills and Experience * Experience working with custom or in-house control frameworks (vs. only vendor-provided stacks) * EtherCAT experience beyond consumer-level usage - DC sync, ENI configuration, master implementation, or driver-level work * Production experience with TwinCAT 3, structured text, and the broader IEC 61131-3 languages * Experience designing deterministic, hard real-time control loops (sub-millisecond cycle times) * Understanding of when to use real-time PLC code vs. higher-level orchestration in Python - and the tradeoffs between them * Bare-metal or embedded firmware experience * Experience with Docker and DevOps tooling for test infrastructure deployment * Experience with time-series data acquisition and visualization (Grafana, InfluxDB, or similar) * Aerospace experience, particularly spacecraft testing or GSE development * Environmental test experience: TVAC, thermal cycling, vibration * Hands-on experience with high-pressure gas or fluid systems * Experience developing propulsion test stands or other complex test infrastructure * Familiarity with spacecraft qualification standards * Experience developing safety-related control systems and evaluating proposed solutions for reducing safety-related risks. ## Description * 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. ## Related Videos - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [The best of two worlds - Bringing enterprise-grade Linux to the vehicle](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/67-the-best-of-two-worlds-bringing-enterprise-grade-linux-to-the-vehicle) - [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker) - [Robots are coming into the wild! 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