Senior Controls Engineer, PLC/Beckhoff

About the company

We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used - so we're looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience. If that's your experience, then we'll be immediately wow-ed.

Your tasks

• Design, develop, and maintain automation controls using Beckhoff PLCs (CX / IPC series) and TwinCAT 3.
• Write 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.
• Integrate Beckhoff systems with ABB and Fanuc robots and external sensors over TCP/IP, OPC-UA, and Modbus-TCP.
• Lead on-site commissioning, real-time debugging, trace analysis, and handover of production cells.
• Implement and maintain machine safety logic, interlocks, and alarms.
• Develop and maintain code libraries, templates, and configuration-management standards.
• Support MES and ERP data connectivity for traceability and production analytics.

Requirements

What you will bring to this role

• 5+ years of hands-on controls engineering in production automation.
• Deep Beckhoff / TwinCAT 3 expertise - Structured Text, FBD, EtherCAT, and motion control.
• Experience integrating PLCs with industrial robots (ABB, Fanuc, or similar).
• Strong grasp of servo drives, electrical schematics, and industrial communication protocols.
• Experience implementing machine safety standards (interlocks, E-stops, safety PLCs).
• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls, or equivalent.

Extra points for the following

• Both ABB and Fanuc integration experience.
• Aerospace, semiconductor, or satellite manufacturing background.
• Experience with vision systems, web handling, or vacuum-based equipment.
• MES / ERP integration experience.

Other

This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Arlington, TX facility.

E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.