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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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About the Role

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure. 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 launch in 2027 as the world's first commercial space station.

You will join the thermal test engineering team as a Senior Test Engineer, Thermal Control Systems, reporting to the Manager, Thermal Test Engineering. This is a full-time, exempt position in Long Beach, California.

What You Will Do

  • 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, upholding rigorous test traceability across design, planning, execution, and post-processed data
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with thermal design, analysis, systems, integration, and manufacturing teams to inform manufacturability, assembly, and testability of thermal hardware
  • 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 technical contributor and informal mentor to junior engineers, helping shape best practices and standardization within the test engineering team

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a 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&IDs, test instrumentation and fittings, safety protocols, and troubleshooting methodologies, along with hands-on experience testing and troubleshooting fluid, mechanical, and electromechanical components
  • 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
  • Proficiency in CAD software (such as Siemens NX) for reviewing designs and creating manufacturing and test documentation, with 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/assembly processes (fluid tubing, heat exchangers, cold plates, MLI)
  • 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)
  • 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 (California): $137,760 to $195,552 USD annually. Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand.

Full-time employees receive company equity and access to: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents; generous paid time off (20+ days vacation for exempt staff, 10+ days for non-exempt staff, with annual cash-out option); paid parental leave; short and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; ClassPass credits; personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health; free snacks, drip coffee with onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals; and subsidized lunch.

Export Control Requirement

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. Section 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).