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Propulsion Test Engineer Verified today

Vast · Mojave, CA · Propulsion · first seen 2026-07-16
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Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Haven Demo's 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Haven-1 is expected to become the world's first commercial space station when it launches in 2027.

We are hiring a Propulsion Test Engineer to support the development of systems required for artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This is a full-time, exempt position based in Mojave, California, reporting to the Senior Manager, Engineering (E-2).

Responsibilities

  • Sit on console as Test Conductor and Test Director running hotfires of the E-2 LOX/Kerosene oxidizer-rich staged combustion engine.
  • Plan and lead hazardous operations including work with high pressures and cryogenic fluids.
  • Assist in driving engine development, qualification, and acceptance test campaigns to completion.
  • Author and maintain test procedures, sequences, and configuration files for hazardous operations.
  • Support Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs).
  • Work side by side with test stand technicians during fabrication of test stand hardware and integration of test articles.
  • Work on projects to design and modify fluid and electrical systems on engine test stands.
  • Troubleshoot fluid, mechanical, electrical, and software related systems on test stands.
  • Implement continuous improvements to improve safety and test site productivity.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
  • 2+ years of experience in the operation, design and development of fluid systems, or hardware testing.

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Experience handling cryogenic fluids.
  • Experience with NX and Teamcenter.
  • Experience with Epsilon3.
  • Experience with JIRA and Confluence.
  • Experience with coding languages (Python, Matlab, Visual Basic).
  • Experience building and testing high pressure fluid/gas systems.
  • Experience reviewing data and taking corrective actions based on findings.
  • Experience with common instrumentation and controls systems and sensors.
  • Tube fitting and bending, familiar with common industry fittings systems.
  • Read and interpret Plumbing and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, along with effective teamwork abilities.
  • Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Ability and willingness to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment.

Additional Requirements

  • Willingness to work evenings and weekends to support critical mission milestones.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted and work in an outdoor, physically demanding test environment (freezing conditions to temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit).

Compensation

  • Propulsion Test Engineer I: $86,000 to $120,000
  • Propulsion Test Engineer II: $110,000 to $155,000

Salary varies depending on experience, skills, education, and market demand. Full-time employees receive company equity and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents; paid time off (20+ days for exempt staff); paid parental leave; short and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; and on-site meals and perks.

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls and must either be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.