Lead Automation and Controls Engineer

About Varda

Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. 

From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind. 

Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital. 

Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL (coming soon).

Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.

 

About this Role

As Lead Automation and Controls Engineer at Varda, you'll lead the development of our custom test infrastructure and bespoke engineering solutions for spaceflight hardware. This role offers the opportunity to build and manage sophisticated ground support equipment (GSE) and test systems supporting spacecraft development and manufacturing operations. You'll establish a service-oriented engineering culture that creates tailored test infrastructure for multiple engineering groups across the organization. You'll work at the intersection of multiple engineering disciplines, bridging software, electrical, and mechanical domains to create integrated solutions for propulsion systems, payload qualification, and spacecraft-level testing that match the innovative nature of our mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of custom test solutions and ground support equipment
• Design, build, and maintain high-performance software and hardware systems to qualify and/or test flight hardware
• Effectively manage development roadmap(s), budgets, and resources
• Balance technical excellence with pragmatic solutions to meet aggressive timelines while maintaining safety and reliability
• Develop comprehensive documentation for all custom systems
• Mentor engineers and develop technical talent within the team

Basic Qualifications:

• BS in Mechanical/Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field
• 5+ years of industry engineering experience 
• 3+ years of programming in Python for large deployments or test automation
• 2+ years of experience in PLC programming, controls engineering, or similar hardware engineering experience
• Strong technical leadership skills with ability to mentor and develop talent
• Demonstrated track record of delivering complex technical projects on aggressive timelines
• Ability to balance technical excellence with pragmatic solutions
• Experience managing budgets and resources for technical projects
• Excellent cross-functional communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Docker and DevOps automation tools
• Demonstrated technical expertise with modern PLC systems (Siemens, Rockwell, Beckhoff)
• Experience with data acquisition platforms and visualization solutions (e.g., Grafana, InfluxDB)
• Experience developing electromechanical test hardware
• Track record of establishing a service-oriented culture
• History of implementing standardized processes and documentation systems
• Aerospace industry experience, particularly with spacecraft testing
• Knowledge of environmental test systems (TVAC, thermal cycling, vibration)
• Hands-on experience with high-pressure gas systems and fluid system testing
• Background developing propulsion test stands or other complex test infrastructure
• Familiarity with spacecraft qualification standards and certification processes

Pay Range:

• Salary range: $150,000 - $180,000/per year
• This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA
• Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, edu