Senior Controls Engineer, PLC/Beckhoff

E-Space•Arlington, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

E-Space is developing a low Earth orbit space system for IoT connectivity and services. Its Manufacturing team builds aerospace products at high rate and precision. The Senior Controls Engineer will architect, program, and deploy Beckhoff-based control systems for robotic and precision-assembly production lines, serving as the dedicated controls owner. The role combines software design with hands-on hardware integration to improve reliability and throughput, and reports to the Manufacturing Engineering leadership team. This is a full-time, exempt position based at E-Space’s Arlington, Texas facility. The role may require extra hours, including nights and weekends, to meet critical deadlines and mission goals. E-Space is unable to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who lack work authorization for the role’s location.

Requirements

At least 5 years of hands-on controls engineering experience in production automation.
Deep expertise in Beckhoff and TwinCAT 3, including Structured Text, FBD, EtherCAT, and motion control.
Experience integrating PLCs with industrial robots such as ABB, Fanuc, or similar.
Strong understanding of servo drives, electrical schematics, and industrial communication protocols.
Experience implementing machine safety standards, including interlocks, E-stops, and safety PLCs.
BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls, or equivalent.
Must hold work authorization for the location of the role; employment sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

Experience integrating both ABB and Fanuc robots.
Background in aerospace, semiconductor, or satellite manufacturing.
Experience with vision systems, web handling, or vacuum-based equipment.
MES or ERP integration experience.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain automation controls using Beckhoff CX or IPC series PLCs 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 using TCP/IP, OPC-UA, and Modbus-TCP.
Lead on-site commissioning, real-time debugging, trace analysis, and production-cell handover.
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.