Automation and Controls Engineer (Python)

Location: On-site in El Segundo, California, United States. U.S. work authorization is required, and only U.S. persons may access export-controlled technology.

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, reentry capsules, heat shields, satellite buses, and related ground systems.

What you will do

• Design, build, maintain, and commission test systems and ground support equipment for spacecraft 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 high-frequency real-time control.
• Design electrical panels, build and wire cabinets, and debug hardware across the full system stack.
• Partner with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams to deliver reliable test infrastructure on aggressive timelines.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of industry experience in test automation, controls, and/or industrial automation.
• Experience integrating industrial hardware through EtherCAT, Modbus TCP/RTU, RS-232/485 serial, or similar protocols.
• Experience with a modern PLC ecosystem, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and IEC 61131-3 structured text.
• Ability to write control software, design electrical panels, wire cabinets, and debug hardware.
• Ability to work on-site in El Segundo and meet the U.S. person and U.S. employment authorization requirements for export-controlled technology.

Nice to have

• Advanced EtherCAT expertise, custom control framework experience, and knowledge of deterministic sub-millisecond control loops.
• Experience with Python orchestration, Grafana, InfluxDB, or similar time-series data tools.
• Aerospace, spacecraft testing, GSE, environmental testing, propulsion test stand, or high-pressure gas and fluid systems experience.
• Experience with safety-related control systems, spacecraft qualification standards, and associated documentation.

Culture & Benefits

• Fast-paced startup environment with end-to-end ownership and opportunities to define engineering standards.
• 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) with a 6% immediately vested employer match and incentive equity.
• $120 monthly wellness reimbursement, cell phone reimbursement, and relocation support if needed.
• Daily lunch, twice-weekly dinner, team events, and complimentary EV charging.