Fluids Test Engineer Verified today

Role

Vast is looking for a Fluids Test Engineer to support development of systems for artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. You will report to the Sr. Manager, Integration Test and work full-time in Long Beach, California.

What You Will Do

• Own design, build, and commissioning of fluid system GSE and test stands.
• Develop clear and robust test plans for on-vehicle checkouts, fluids, instrumentation, and high-pressure testing.
• Act as test director, providing status updates and leading handoff meetings.
• Conduct PDRs, CDRs, and TRRs before design and test execution.
• Produce professional documentation including mechanical, fluid, and instrumentation schematics.
• Document non-conformances and collaborate with quality team on root cause corrective actions.
• Adhere to, enforce, and improve test processes and best practices.
• Collaborate with distributed engineering organizations to define test plans, requirements, and schedules.
• Partner with engineers, SMEs, and technicians to solve complex fluid system problems.
• Mentor engineers and technicians on the team.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, electrical, or similar field.
• 4+ years of related engineering experience.
• Hands-on hardware integration and testing experience.
• Experience working with technicians and running multi-person operations.
• Experience writing test plans, procedures, presentations, and providing go/no-go judgment and rationale.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with pressure testing, fluid system design, proof and leak checks in compliance with ASME B31.3.
• Experience planning and executing engineering operations in time-sensitive, high-risk environments.
• Knowledge of pressure safety standards (D.O.O, ASME, API, NFPA) for quantity distance and keep-out zones.
• Experience with high-pressure gas systems and closed-loop control systems.
• Ability to design and perform environmental testing per SMC-S-016, GEVS NASA-STD-7000a, MIL STD 810G.
• Experience designing and implementing instrumentation systems and precision measurement devices.
• Experience with DAQ hardware and software (NI PXI, cRIO, cDAQ, Dewesoft, Beckhoff).
• Ability to generate test system P&IDs using Visio, Lucidchart, or equivalent.
• Experience writing and executing test plans/procedures in collaboration with design engineers.
• Perform structured root cause analysis of test failures.
• Experience in structural design and analysis of test fixtures.
• Proficiency with CAD systems (NX preferred).
• Experience with PLM systems (Teamcenter preferred) and version control (SVN, GIT).
• Experience with project scheduling tools (Smartsheet, MS Project, or equivalent).
• Experience with JIRA and/or Confluence.
• Ability to quickly troubleshoot new and existing systems.
• Ability to rapidly shift priorities across multiple projects and deliver high-value results iteratively.
• Strong collaboration skills across cross-functional engineering teams.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel for vehicle test support (20%) including extended travel (up to 1 month) for final vehicle test.
• Ability to work varying hours, shifts, extended hours, and weekends as needed.
• Ability to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces; physically able to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment.

Compensation

Pay range: $112,340 to $230,472 USD, depending on level and experience. Compensation includes base salary, company equity, medical/dental/vision coverage, paid time off (20+ days vacation for exempt staff), paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, mental healthcare through Spring Health, and onsite meals and snacks.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62, including U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), asylees, and refugees with such status granted. This is required due to access to U.S. export-controlled information and items.