Automation Engineer - Controls & Python (Aerospace)

Location: On-site in El Segundo, California, United States

Salary: $109,000–$153,000 annually, plus potential stock options and/or long-term cash awards.

Company

hirify.global develops commercial space infrastructure, including in-orbit pharmaceutical processing systems, reentry capsules, heat shields, satellite buses, and related production and test facilities.

What you will do

• Design, build, maintain, and commission test systems and ground support equipment for flight hardware qualification and manufacturing.
• Integrate thermal vacuum chambers, ovens, chillers, pressure systems, data acquisition hardware, and precision instrumentation.
• Develop hirify.global’s internal PLC framework and Beckhoff EtherCAT tooling.
• Evaluate PLC-based TwinCAT 3 and Linux-based approaches for real-time, high-frequency control applications.
• Design electrical systems, build cabinets, wire panels, and debug hardware across the full system stack.
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams to deliver test infrastructure.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of industry experience in test automation, controls, or industrial automation.
• Hands-on experience with industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT, Modbus TCP/RTU, RS-232/485, or similar.
• Experience with a modern PLC ecosystem, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and structured text under IEC 61131-3.
• Ability to write control software, design electrical panels, wire cabinets, and debug hardware.
• Authorization to work in the United States and qualification as a U.S. person for access to export-controlled technology are required.

Nice to have

• Advanced EtherCAT expertise, including DC synchronization, ENI configuration, master implementation, or driver-level work.
• Experience with deterministic hard real-time control loops, custom control frameworks, or Python orchestration.
• Experience with Grafana, InfluxDB, spacecraft testing, GSE development, TVAC, thermal cycling, vibration testing, or propulsion test stands.
• Experience with high-pressure gas or fluid systems, spacecraft qualification standards, and safety-related control systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Full-time employment with flexible PTO and 12 paid holidays.
• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, with FSA and employer-matched HSA options.
• Parental leave, family-building support, wellness reimbursement, and sponsored One Medical memberships.
• 401(k) plan with a 6% immediately vested employer match, equity incentives, and cell phone reimbursement.
• Relocation support may be available for new hires.
• Daily lunch, twice-weekly dinner, team events, mission-success celebrations, and complimentary EV charging.