Senior Materials Testing Technician

Senior Materials Testing TechnicianVast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station 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. 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 in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.Headquartered in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America's next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.Vast is looking for a Senior Materials Testing Technician, reporting to the M&P Supervisor Materials Testing, to support materials testing, characterization, and qualification activities for the development and production of human-rated spacecraft and space station hardware. This role will work hands-on in a laboratory environment preparing samples, operating test equipment, collecting data, and supporting engineers in evaluating materials and manufacturing processes for flight applications.This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located at our Long Beach facility.ResponsibilitiesPerform hands-on materials testing and characterization in support of spacecraft development, qualification, and productionPrepare, label, track, and document material specimens and test samples according to established procedures and specificationsSet up and operate laboratory test equipment used to evaluate mechanical, thermal, physical, and environmental material propertiesSupport testing of metals, polymers, adhesives, coatings, composites, elastomers, and other materials used in spacecraft hardwareExecute testing according to engineering test plans, work instructions, ASTM standards, NASA standards, and internal specificationsCollect, organize, and document test data while ensuring accuracy, traceability, and proper configuration controlAssist Materials & Processes engineers with material qualification and process validation testingPerform routine inspection and measurement of test specimens using laboratory and dimensional inspection equipmentSupport environmental testing activities including thermal cycling, vacuum compatibility/outgassing, flammability, and other spacecraft-specific material evaluationsMaintain laboratory equipment, tooling, fixtures, consumables, and test areas to ensure safe and efficient operationsIdentify unexpected test results, equipment issues, or material nonconformances and escalate findings to the appropriate engineering teamAssist with failure investigations and root-cause analysis by preparing samples and supporting material characterization activitiesMaintain accurate laboratory records, test logs, equipment calibration status, and material traceability documentationWork closely with Materials & Processes, Manufacturing, Quality, Design Engineering, and Production teams to support hardware development and build schedulesFollow all applicable safety procedures when handling chemicals, materials, test equipment, and laboratory processesSupport continuous improvement of laboratory procedures, test methods, fixtures, and workflowsMinimum QualificationsHigh school diploma or GED5+ years of experience working in a laboratory, manufacturing, testing, inspection, quality, or other hands-on technical environmentTechnical proficiency on Syft, TGA, FTIR, DSC, FlammabilityExperience following written technical procedures, work instructions, or test specificationsAbility to accurately collect, document, and communicate technical dataBasic proficiency using hand tools, measurement equipment, and/or laboratory equipmentBasic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Excel and electronic documentation systemsStrong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate records and material traceabilityAbility to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional technical teamPreferred Skills & ExperienceAssociate degree or technical certification in materials science, engineering technology, chemistry, manufacturing, aerospace, or a related technical disciplineExperience working in aerospace, spacecraft, automotive, defense, medical device, or another highly regulated manufacturing environmentHands-on experience with material specimen preparation, mechanical testing, environmental testing, or material characterizationExperience with tensile, compression, hardness, adhesion, thermal, or other mechanical/material testing methodsFamiliarity with materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, composites, adhesives, polymers, coatings, and elastomersFamiliarity with laboratory equipment such as universal testing machines, hardness testers, environmental chambers, microscopes, ovens, balances, or dimensional inspection equipmentFamiliarity with ASTM, NASA, or aerospace material testing standardsExperience supporting material qualification, process qualification, failure analysis, or root-cause investigationsExperience working within AS9100 or another quality-controlled manufacturing environmentFamiliarity with material certifications, lot traceability, calibration requirements, and controlled documentationExperience safely handling chemicals and following laboratory safety and hazardous material proceduresAbility to read engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentationAdditional RequirementsAbility to lift up to 25 lbs. unassistedAbility to stand for extended periods and perform hands-on laboratory workAbility to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as requiredWillingness to work overtime and/or weekends when necessary to support critical test, production, and mission milestonesPay Range: California $40 —$56 USDWe calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.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.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.