Test Engineer, Structures Test

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 Test Engineer, reporting to the Director of Structures Test, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location. In this role, you will support the ongoing development of our Haven-1 space station module, with a primary focus on primary and secondary structures testing. You will work closely with design REs, test technicians, and other teams such as Manufacturing, Integration, and Avionics to meet design/mission requirements and industry standards.Responsibilities: Work under the direction of the Director of Structures Test to develop and execute testing on primary and secondary structure of the Haven-1 Space StationMentor other engineers and technicians on the teamAdhere to, enforce, and improve the test processes and good practices of Vast and the test organizationProduce professional and traceable documentation, including electrical, mechanical, and fluid schematics of the test systemsWork with responsible engineers to design, prepare, and execute test campaigns. This includes the manufacture of new test stands and/or operation of existing resourcesPerform all necessary design, analysis, and project managementConduct TRR (Test Readiness Review), PDR (Preliminary Design Review) and/or CDR (Critical Design Review) before all design/tests are startedFind creative solutions to unique issues in order to save cost and schedule while improving overall quality and safetyCome up with great ideas and be empowered to make them a realityDesign, analyze, and own the test setupContinuous learning/Improvement—and share them with your team membersPerform other duties as assignedMinimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree or higher in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline3+ years of experience in an engineering environment (test, launch, manufacturing, etc.)Preferred Skills & Experience: Ability to design and perform product environmental testing based on the requirements provided in SMC-S-016, GEVS NASA-STD-7000a, MIL STD 810G. etc.Experience planning and executing engineering operations in a time-sensitive and high-risk environmentOwn assembly, checkouts and development test standsAbility to quickly understand and troubleshoot new/existing systemsExperience writing and executing test plans/procedures in collaboration with design engineersExperience with designing and implementing instrumentation systemsExperience in structural design and analysis of test fixturesExperience working across engineering groups to define requirements and implement solutionsExecute deliverables based on prioritized implementation plans and timelinesAbility to rapidly change priorities between several projectsIdentify key unknowns and quickly close knowledge gapsDeliver the highest value results quickly and iterate towards successive milestonesPerform structured root cause analysis of test failuresExperience designing and/or working with closed-loop control systems (hydraulic/ pressure systems)Experience with working with DAQ software i.e. NI, Beckoff, and/or DewesoftExperience working with DAQ hardware i.e. NI, Beckoff, and/or DewesoftExperience operating / working with high-pressure gas systemsExperience generating test system P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram) using Visio / Lucidchart or equivalentExperience with creating and maintaining project schedules with Smartsheet, Project or equivalentExperience with SVN, GIT, or other version management systemsExperience with Teamcenter or other PLM systemsExperience with CAD systems, NX preferableExperience with JIRA and/or ConfluenceExperience with selection of precision sensor and measurement devices (i.e. loadcells, thermocouples, pressure sensors, deflection transducers)Ability to thrive as an individual contributor and as part of a teamAbility to add something unique and positive to our teamGenerally high level of all-around awesomenessAdditional Requirements:Must be able to travel to our Mojave Test site (~25% of the time)Must be able to work varying hours/shifts and available for extended hours as well as weekends when neededMust be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and be able to maneuver in tight spaces; physically able to handle items weighing up to 25lbs (unassisted)Ability and desire to perform in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environmentPay Range: California$112,340—$195,552 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.