Automation & Controls Specialist

Compensation: $100,000 - $140,000 / year

Department: Assembly, Integration & Test

Location: Redondo Beach

As an Automation & Controls Specialist at Impulse
, you will be responsible for the execution and integration of industrial automation and controls systems. This role is hands‑on and technical, with ownership of electrical installation, controls programming, system bring‑up, and close collaboration with engineering on machine and test system development.

• Own electrical and controls execution for assigned machines, production equipment, or test systems
• Install, wire, and modify industrial controls hardware in accordance with NFPA 70, NFPA 79, and UL 508A standards
• Program and configure industrial controls hardware, including PLCs, VFDs, motor starters, and related devices
• Lead controls system bring‑up, checkout, and validation activities
• Troubleshoot complex electrical, controls, and instrumentation issues
• Review electrical schematics; create and own redlines and drive updates back into released drawings
• Collaborate with engineering on control architecture, device selection, and design improvements
• Use EPlan to generate reports, manufacturing data, and documentation
• Provide technical guidance to technicians on wiring practices and troubleshooting
• Maintain the electrical shop, tools, consumables, and controls hardware inventory
• Document work performed and update assigned tasks or project tracking

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 7+ years of work in a relevant field (manufacturing/test/R&D)
• 7+ years working on electrical control systems
• 1+ years working on pneumatic and/or hydraulic systems
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality

• 10+ years' proven experience with EPlan and PLC‑based control systems (TwinCAT preferred)
• 10+ years of work in a relevant field (manufacturing/test/R&D)
• Strong experience supporting systems up to 480 VAC
• Strong electrical and controls troubleshooting skills
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full‑time hires, you may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies.

Learn more about the ITAR here.

Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer
; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.