Quality Inspector, Avionics

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 looking for a Quality Inspector, Avionics (1st Shift), reporting to the Quality Supervisor, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space stations. This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Long Beach location. Responsibilities: Lead inspection execution for complex in-process and final inspections of flight hardware Provide day-to-day technical leadership and direction to avionics and integration inspectors across shifts, promoting consistent inspection methods, standard interpretation, and workmanship expectations Support production readiness activities, including daily tag ups, inspection planning, and managing priorities Act as a quality advocate on the production floor, escalating risks, identifying trends, and driving continuous improvement in avionics inspection and integration processes Provide detailed in-process inspections on flight hardware, using detailed drawings, CAD models, and established processes to verify conformance to design requirements Communicate and help resolve quality related issues as they relate to other company products Process non-conforming products and assist engineering in root cause analysis and corrective action Routinely observe technical operations and offer guidance and/or serve as an additional technical resource. Evaluate manufacturing compliance to NASA, range safety, and customer, as well as internal specifications to meet launch and mission requirements Interface with engineering and production to resolve nonconforming material issues Read, interpret, and work from free form drawings as well as from controlled documentation and processes Independently perform verifications and document results in a clear, precise, and complete manner Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalency certificate 5+ years of inspection experience in an aerospace, military, or manufacturing environment Preferred Skills & Experience: Experience reading and interpreting design drawings and CAD models Extensive experience performing dimensional inspections. Experience with aerospace standards Experience using calibrated inspection tools. Experience with assembling and testing manufactured hardware. Experience with quality assurance principles, methods, and processes. Experience inspecting 3D printed hardware Intermediate level skill with Google products (Sheets, Slides, etc. Intermediate level skill with Windows operating systems. Good communication skills and the ability to articulate aerospace hardware and systems problems to technical professionals to initiate resolutions Substantial knowledge of the control of nonconforming hardware, failure/root cause analysis, corrective, and preventive action processes Knowledgeable with ISO 9001/AS9100 quality management systems Experience inspecting solder, crimping, conformal coating, staking, and surface mounted devices in accordance with NASA 8739 and/or IPC-J-STD-001, IPC-A-610 standards Wire harness experience in accordance with NASA-STD-8739.3 and 8739.4 and/or IPC-A-620 standards Experience with performing electronic testing and inspection using portable measuring devices Perform detailed in-process and final inspections on complex flight hardware, including circuit card assemblies, custom harnesses, rack/panel assemblies, and integrated systems Proficient with computers, the ability to use MS Office, shop floor management software (ERP) and related programs Ability to work independently with a strong work ethic, be innovative, detail oriented, possess initiative, and team oriented Additional Requirements: Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones Must be able to pass a background check and gain access to government facilities Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted Must be willing to travel up to 10% Must be able to climb ladders, stoop, bend, crawl, and work in tight spaces Pay Range: Quality Inspector III: $33/hr - $46/hr Senior Quality Inspector: $37 - $53/hr Pay Range: California

$33—$53 USD

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Base 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: 100% 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 STATUS

The 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 OPPORTUNITY

Vast 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.