Director, Fluid Systems Test (Long Beach)

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.Vast is seeking an experienced and highly driven Director, Fluid Systems Test, reporting to the Vice President of Fluid Systems, to lead the strategy, execution, and scaling of fluids test operations supporting the development of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations and supporting spacecraft systems.The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in fluid systems testing, infrastructure development, high-risk operations, and organizational leadership within fast-paced aerospace or complex hardware development environments.This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach, California location.ResponsibilitiesLead the Fluids Test organization responsible for component, subsystem, and integrated system development and qualification testing across propulsion, thermal control systems, ECLSS, pressurized systems, and spacecraft fluid distribution hardwareDevelop and execute the long-term fluids test strategy supporting Haven-1 and future spacecraft programs from early development through qualification, supporting integration and flight readinessBuild, mentor, and scale a multidisciplinary organization of test engineers, technicians, operations specialists, controls engineers, and infrastructure teamsOversee the design, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of fluids test stands, pressure systems, cryogenic systems, vacuum systems, and supporting ground infrastructureDefine and drive integrated test campaigns validating system performance, reliability, operational readiness, and human-rated safety requirementsPartner closely with Propulsion, Thermal, ECLSS, Structures, Avionics, GNC, Manufacturing, Systems Engineering, and Mission Operations teams to align test objectives, verification strategies, and development schedulesEstablish rigorous engineering and operational processes for instrumentation, controls integration, data acquisition, calibration, configuration management, and test reportingLead test readiness reviews, operational procedure development, hazard analyses, and safety reviews for high-risk fluid, cryogenic, and pressurized system operationsDrive root cause investigations, anomaly resolution, corrective actions, and failure analysis efforts arising from integrated test campaigns and system performance issuesDevelop organizational metrics, operational visibility tools, and infrastructure planning strategies to improve test throughput, utilization, reliability, and schedule predictabilityManage facility utilization, capital equipment planning, operational budgets, staffing forecasts, and long-range infrastructure investmentsSupport acceptance testing, spacecraft integration activities, launch site operations, and mission readiness testing as programs progress toward flight operationsHelp establish the operational philosophy, safety standards, and verification methodologies for future human-rated spacecraft fluid systems and integrated test operationsFoster a culture of technical excellence, urgency, accountability, ownership, collaboration, and safety-first execution across the organizationMinimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline10+ years of experience in aerospace, military and defense, launch vehicle, spacecraft, propulsion, or complex fluid systems testing environments5+ years of technical leadership or people management experience leading engineering or test organizationsExperience developing, operating, or scaling fluid, propulsion, thermal, cryogenic, pneumatic, or pressurized system test infrastructureStrong understanding of instrumentation systems, data acquisition (DAQ), controls integration, automation systems, and test operationsExperience leading high-risk operations involving hazardous fluids, cryogenic systems, pressure systems, or oxygen-compatible systemsDemonstrated success leading integrated test campaigns under aggressive hardware development schedulesExperience partnering cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, systems engineering, quality, and operations organizationsStrong analytical, operational decision-making, root cause investigation, and troubleshooting skillsExcellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to present technical and programmatic updates to executive leadershipPreferred QualificationsExperience supporting human-rated spacecraft, launch vehicles, or advanced aerospace development programsFamiliarity with NASA, aerospace, military, or commercial spaceflight fluid systems testing standards and operational practicesExperience with propulsion hot-fire testing, thermal vacuum testing, integrated environmental testing, or spacecraft acceptance testingKnowledge of cryogenic systems, oxygen systems, hypergolic fluid handling, pressurized systems, or life support fluid systemsExperience scaling test infrastructure and operations in fast-paced hardware development environmentsBackground supporting launch campaigns, mission operations, vehicle integration, or flight certification activitiesExperience building large-scale engineering or operations organizations supporting critical test infrastructureMaster’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical disciplineAbility to work extended hours and weekends as needed during critical test campaigns and program milestonesAbility to travel occasionally in support of suppliers, test sites, integration activities, and launch operationsPay Range: California$203,360—$288,672 USDCOMPENSATION AND BENEFITSBase salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUSThe person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.EQUAL OPPORTUNITYVast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast 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.