SMT Test Technician

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 SMT Test Technician reporting to the Supervisor, Structures Test, assisting in development, qualification, and acceptance testing for the Haven-1 components and structure. This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail and excellent people skills.

This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities:

• Assists engineering with projects and test campaigns with instrumentation and DAQ support
• Can setup and operate tests with engineering guidance
• Consistently brings improvements to engineering with a plan to implement them
• Setup structural and mechanisms tests for development, qualification, and acceptance test campaigns
• Follow engineering drawings and schematics to execute test procedures/plans
• Knowledge of fabrication skills (welding, machining, sheet metal, drilling, mill and lathe)
• Prepare test set-ups that may involve crane operations and assist in lifting operations
• Work on problems of diverse or complex scope with minimal to no guidance
• Make independent decisions and take action within established practices and procedures.
• Assist in updating test procedures and provide feedback to improve robustness/automation/duration
• Troubleshoots DAQ and/or test setup issues and implements solutions
• Assist engineering with test fixture design and implement best practices for DFM/T (Design for Manufacturability/Test)
• Review test requirements, RFQs (Request for Quote), SOWs (Statement of Work), etc. as it relates to testing and test equipment
• Knowledge of running data logging and data processing
• Has extensive knowledge of a variety of instrumentation (to include load cells, pressure transducers, strain gages, thermocouples, deflection transducers) and can recommend what should be used during testing to fulfil requirements.
• Can independently create and execute tasks/projects autonomously
• Can find issues and implement solutions before they happen
• Assists with training and mentoring less experienced team members

Minimum Qualifications:

• Has prior experience in a specific testing field and electrical experience combined (3+years)
• HS Diploma or equivalency certificate

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Knowledge of running tests using manufacturing and operational procedure focused software
• Experience setting up hydraulic load and structures testing for aerospace components/vehicles, or similar
• Experience setting up leak and pneumatic pressure testing for aerospace components and vehicles, or similar
• Proficient knowledge and skill working with various sensors (strain gauges, load cells, pressure transducers, thermocouples, etc.)
• Knowledge of PMS (Preventative Maintenance Schedule) of testing equipment
• Knowledge of data acquisition systems (Analog inputs, analog output, digital inputs, digital outputs)
• Proficiency with relevant aerospace testing standards (SMC-S-016, MIL-STD-810G, GSFC-STD-7000B, etc.)
• Knowledge of Jira project management and Google apps: gmail, docs, sheets, slides, etc.
• Knowledge of maintaining calibrations of instrumentation devices (load cells, pressure transducers, power supplies, etc.)
• Knowledge of test equipment assembly and fabrication: hydraulic hoses, AN fittings with stainless steel hardline, unistrut, 80/20, etc.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
• Ability to travel to Mojave Air and Space Port with short notice
• Ability to to work from elevated heights and outdoor environments

Pay Range: California

$29.37—$56.92 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: 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.