The Role
The Controls Engineer will design, develop, and maintain automation controls using Beckhoff PLCs and TwinCAT 3, integrate systems with robots and sensors, and support commissioning.
Summary Generated by Built In
Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place!
E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.
We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.
Overview
We are seeking a Controls Engineer with deep expertise in Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and EtherCAT-based automation to architect, program, and deploy advanced control systems across robotic and precision-assembly manufacturing lines. The ideal candidate combines strong software design capability with hands-on hardware integration experience, ensuring world-class reliability and throughput.
Key Responsibilities
- Controls Architecture & Programming
- Design, develop, and maintain automation controls using Beckhoff PLCs (CX / IPC series) and TwinCAT 3.
- Create structured, modular code in Structured Text (ST) and Function Block Diagram (FBD).
- Configure EtherCAT topologies, motion axes, and I/O mapping for deterministic real-time control.
- Implement state machines, PID loops, and coordinated motion for robotics, conveyors, and process equipment.
- Integration & Commissioning
- Integrate Beckhoff systems with Fanuc robots, FerRobotics tools, and external sensors over TCP/IP, OPC-UA, and Modbus-TCP.
- Conduct real-time debugging, trace analysis, and optimization of PLC cycles and task priorities.
- Support on-site commissioning, troubleshooting, and handover of production-ready automation cells.
- Infrastructure & Standardization
- Develop and maintain code libraries, templates, and configuration management standards.
- Collaborate with electrical design, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers to ensure integrated system performance.
- Support MES and ERP data connectivity for traceability and production analytics.
Qualifications
- Education: B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls, or equivalent.
- Experience: 3–8 years hands-on Beckhoff/TwinCAT 3 experience in production automation.
- PLC programming in Structured Text, Ladder, and FBD.
- Motion control tuning, EtherCAT configuration, and real-time synchronization.
- Familiarity with Fanuc robots, end effectors, and safety PLCs.
- Understanding of electrical schematics, servo drives, and industrial communication protocols.
Technical Skills:
Preferred: Experience in aerospace, semiconductor, or satellite manufacturing.
Why E-Space is right for you:
As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success. Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals. In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.
We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That’s why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:
• An opportunity to really make a difference
• Sustainability at our core
• Fair and honest workplace
• Innovative thinking is encouraged
• Competitive salaries
• Continuous learning and development
• Health and wellness care options
• Financial solutions for the future
• Optional legal services (US only)
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
Top Skills
Beckhoff Twincat 3
Ethercat
Fanuc Robots
Function Block Diagram
Modbus-Tcp
Opc-Ua
Structured Text
Tcp/Ip
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The Company
What We Do
E-Space is a global space company focused on bridging Earth and space with the most sustainable low earth orbit (LEO) network that is expected to reach over one hundred thousand multi-application communication satellites to help businesses and governments securely and affordably access the power of space to solve problems on Earth.
Founded by industry pioneer Greg Wyler, E-Space is focused on democratizing space and transforming industries by bringing down the cost of space-based communications, raising the level of satellite system resiliency and setting a new standard in sustainable space infrastructure that will effectively minimize and reduce space debris and destruction while preserving access to space for future generations.
