Solar Array Test Engineer Verified today

About Vast

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using a hardware-rich, low-cost approach. Haven Demo became the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft in 2025. Haven-1 is expected to launch in 2027 as the world's first commercial space station, followed by additional modules. Vast Satellite is a new high-power satellite product line leveraging space station components.

The Role

This is a full-time exempt position in Long Beach reporting to the Principal Power Systems Engineer. You will support development of systems for artificial-gravity human-rated space stations at L2, Senior, or Staff level.

Your Responsibilities

• Own the qualification program for non-space-heritage photovoltaic cell technologies for space use
• Develop, author, and maintain test plans, procedures, and reports for solar array hardware at coupon, panel, wing, and system levels
• Plan and execute test campaigns including thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, vibration, shock, acoustic, static load, deployment, and life-cycle testing
• Plan and execute functional testing including flash testing, electroluminescence imaging, isolation resistance, and IV curve characterization
• Define test success criteria, instrumentation requirements, data acquisition configurations, and test-as-you-fly rationale
• Coordinate and oversee testing at internal facilities and external test labs
• Analyze test data, document results, identify anomalies, and lead troubleshooting and root cause investigations
• Determine applicable standards including AIAA S-111, AIAA S-112, SMC-S-016, and program-specific requirements
• Collaborate with solar array design, structures, thermal, power electronics, and mission assurance engineers
• Support development of internal test capabilities, fixturing, and ground support equipment for solar array testing
• Present test readiness reviews and results at design reviews and to cross-functional stakeholders
• Author and maintain verification documentation through the product lifecycle

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, materials engineering, physics, or related discipline
• 5+ years of hardware testing experience for satellites, spacecraft, or high-reliability aerospace systems
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems and instrumentation (thermocouples, strain gauges, accelerometers, LVDTs)
• Hands-on experience planning and executing environmental testing on flight or qualification hardware
• Demonstrated experience authoring test plans, procedures, and test reports
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple parallel test campaigns and maintain meticulous documentation
• Working knowledge of photovoltaic device physics and space-environment degradation mechanisms
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or equivalent data analysis and visualization tools
• Effective communicator comfortable working across engineering disciplines and with technician teams

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 8+ years in test engineering for satellite or spacecraft programs with solar array or deployable structure experience
• Test campaign execution in compliance with SMC-S-016, AIAA S-112, AIAA S-111, GEVS, or MIL-STD-1540
• Solar cell or photovoltaic module electrical characterization including flash testing, IV curve analysis, and EL inspection
• Direct solar cell radiation degradation testing and EOL performance prediction
• AM0 solar simulator calibration
• Qualifying non-space-heritage or COTS components for spaceflight use
• Custom test fixturing and GSE development with machinists and technicians
• Working knowledge of solar array design, construction, and failure modes
• Experience at vertically integrated satellite company or fast-paced aerospace startup
• CAD and PLM experience with NX, Teamcenter, or similar tools

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary: $112,340 to $230,472 USD, based on experience and demonstrated capability. Full-time employees receive company equity and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off (20+ days for exempt, 10+ days for non-exempt with annual cash-out); paid parental leave; short and long-term disability and life insurance; 401(k) plan; ClassPass credits; mental healthcare through Spring Health; free snacks, coffee, cold drinks, and dinner; subsidized lunch.

Export Control Requirement

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls and must be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62, including U.S. citizens, nationals, lawful permanent residents, asylees, or refugees with granted status.