Senior Automation and Controls Engineer - Python (Aerospace)

Location: On-site in El Segundo, California, United States. Candidates must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. and qualify as a U.S. person for access to export-controlled technology.

Salary: $140,000–$179,000 annually, plus eligibility for stock options and/or long-term cash awards.

Company

A space infrastructure startup developing in-orbit pharmaceutical processing, reentry capsules, heat shields, satellite buses, and related flight hardware in-house.

What you will do

• Design, build, maintain, and own test systems and ground support equipment for spacecraft qualification and manufacturing operations.
• Integrate thermal vacuum chambers, ovens, chillers, pressure systems, data acquisition hardware, and precision instrumentation.
• Develop the internal PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling using modern control technologies.
• Evaluate PLC-based TwinCAT 3 and Linux-based approaches for high-frequency real-time control.
• Design electrical systems, build and wire cabinets and panels, and commission systems end to end.
• Partner with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams while improving maintainability and onboarding practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of industry experience in test automation, controls, and/or industrial automation.
• Hands-on experience with EtherCAT, Modbus TCP/RTU, RS-232/485 serial, or similar industrial communication protocols.
• Experience with a modern PLC ecosystem, ideally Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and IEC 61131-3 structured text.
• Ability to write control software, design electrical panels, wire cabinets, and debug hardware.
• U.S. work authorization and U.S. person status are required due to ITAR and export-control access requirements.

Nice to have

• Experience balancing real-time PLC code with higher-level Python orchestration.
• Advanced EtherCAT expertise, including DC sync, ENI configuration, master implementation, or driver-level work.
• Experience with deterministic sub-millisecond control loops, time-series data tools, and custom control frameworks.
• Aerospace, spacecraft testing, GSE, environmental testing, propulsion test stand, or high-pressure fluid-system experience.
• Experience with safety-related control systems and spacecraft qualification documentation.

Culture & Benefits

• Fast-paced startup environment with end-to-end ownership and shifting priorities.
• Flexible PTO, 12 paid holidays, and 12 weeks of parental leave.
• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, with FSA and employer-matched HSA options.
• 401(k) plan with a 6% immediately vested employer match and equity incentives.
• Relocation support for new hires when needed.
• Daily lunch, twice-weekly dinner, wellness reimbursement, company events, and complimentary EV charging.