Senior Controls Engineer, PLC/Beckhoff
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 26, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 22, 2026. E-Space scores B on the Alion truth index.
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.
The E-Space Manufacturing team builds the world's most advanced aerospace products at high rate and high precision.
As a Senior Controls Engineer, you'll architect, program, and deploy the Beckhoff-based control systems that run our robotic and precision-assembly lines. You'll be the dedicated controls owner the team needs - relieving today's reliance on a handful of people - and combine strong software design with hands-on hardware integration to deliver world-class reliability and throughput. This position reports to the Manufacturing Engineering leadership team.
What you'll be doing:
- 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.
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.
This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Arlington, TX facility.
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.
E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.