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Senior Test Engineer, Thermal Control Systems Verified today

Vast · Long Beach, CA · Mechanical · first seen 2026-09-03
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Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure. Haven Demo achieved operational status in 2025. Haven-1 is expected to launch in 2027 as the world's first commercial space station, followed by additional Haven modules. The company also launched Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line. Vast is headquartered in Long Beach, California, with over 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital.

We are looking for a Senior Test Engineer, Thermal Control Systems to support the development of systems for human-rated space stations. This is a full-time, exempt position in Long Beach.

Responsibilities

  • Own and drive the full lifecycle of assigned thermal control system test campaigns of moderate complexity from CONOP and test plan development through GSE design, build, instrumentation, execution, data analysis, and closeout, supporting near-term and long-term space habitat missions
  • Perform hands-on assembly, integration, instrumentation, and testing of thermal and fluid systems (tubing, heat exchangers, cold plates, pumps, valves, heaters, MLI), ensuring compliance with engineering specifications, safety protocols, and industry standards
  • Develop and maintain detailed test plans, procedures, work instructions, and manufacturing plans, and uphold rigorous test traceability across design, planning, execution, and post-processed data to ensure alignment with subsystem requirements and program milestones
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with thermal design, analysis, systems, integration, and manufacturing teams and support suppliers to inform manufacturability, assembly, and testability of thermal hardware and ensure timely delivery of quality components
  • Investigate and resolve complex technical issues through root cause analysis, coordinating with technicians, engineers, and suppliers to implement lasting corrective actions
  • Provide technical input in design and test reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.) and contribute to continuous improvement efforts that boost test efficiency, manufacturing yield, and data quality
  • Serve as a reliable technical contributor and informal mentor to junior engineers, while helping shape best practices and standardization within the test engineering team

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related engineering discipline, with 5 or more years of experience across thermal systems, fluid systems, manufacturing engineering, and/or test engineering in aerospace or similarly demanding environments
  • Strong foundation in fluid systems including fluid mechanics, system design, P&Ds, test instrumentation and fittings, safety protocols, and troubleshooting methodologies, along with hands-on experience testing and troubleshooting fluid, mechanical, and electromechanical components and performing root-cause analysis of failures
  • Demonstrated experience owning and executing test campaigns end-to-end, from objective definition and CONOP development through GSE design, build, instrumentation, test execution, and data analysis, including contributing to test automation and data review tools
  • Proficiency in CAD software such as Siemens NX for reviewing designs and creating manufacturing and test documentation, and proven ability to contribute to cross-functional engineering initiatives and drive projects to on-time completion in fast-paced environments

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Hands-on experience with supercritical fluid systems, high-pressure and LN2 test operations (including serving as test conductor), and thermal control hardware manufacturing and assembly processes (fluid tubing, heat exchangers, cold plates, MLI), with ability to identify manufacturability risks
  • Working GD&T proficiency for reviewing engineering drawings and ensuring design intent translates correctly into manufactured hardware, plus experience with paints, coatings, adhesives, and contamination-sensitive processes in an aerospace environment
  • Familiarity with aerospace test standards and codes (e.g., SMC-S-016, ASME B31.3) and the aerospace test lifecycle (PDR, CDR, TRR, ATP, QTP), with ability to interpret and apply requirements in real-world test environments
  • Working knowledge of data acquisition systems, sensor selection, signal diagnostics, and data analysis techniques, with solid depth in a primary discipline and working knowledge across controls, electronics, wiring, and instrumentation

Compensation

Pay range for California: $137,760 to $195,552 USD. Compensation is calibrated to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability.

Full-time employees receive company equity and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, paid time off of 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff with ability to cash out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, and personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health. Free snacks, coffee, cold drinks, dinner meals, and subsidized lunch are provided onsite.