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Test Engineer Verified today

Vast · Mojave, CA · Production · first seen 2026-08-14
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About the Role

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure. Haven Demo became the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft in 2025. Haven-1 is expected to become the world's first commercial space station when it launches in 2027.

You will support the development of Haven-1 space station modules as a Test Engineer reporting to the Staff Components Test Engineer. Your primary focus will be components and assemblies testing that require quantity distance (QD) to perform. You will work closely with design engineers, test technicians, and teams across Components, ECLSS, and Propulsion to meet design and mission requirements and industry standards.

What You Will Do

  • Develop and execute testing on components and assemblies of the ECLSS, Propulsion, and ground support systems for Haven-1 Space Station under the direction of the Components team
  • Design, prepare, and execute test campaigns, including manufacturing new test stands or operating existing resources
  • Design, analyze, and own the test setup and documentation, including electrical, mechanical, and fluid schematics
  • Conduct Test Readiness Reviews (TRR) before all tests begin
  • Perform design, analysis, and project management for test systems
  • Mentor other engineers and technicians on the team
  • Adhere to, enforce, and improve test processes and good practices across the test organization
  • Find creative solutions to unique technical issues to save cost and schedule while improving quality and safety

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or other engineering discipline
  • 3+ years of experience in an engineering environment (test, launch, manufacturing, clubs, etc.)

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Ability to design and perform product environmental testing based on SMC-S-016, GEVS NASA-STD-7000a, MIL STD 810G
  • Experience planning and executing engineering operations in time-sensitive and high-risk environments
  • Assembly, checkouts, and development test stands ownership
  • Ability to quickly understand and troubleshoot new or existing systems
  • Writing and executing test plans and procedures in collaboration with design engineers
  • Designing and implementing instrumentation systems
  • Structural design and analysis of test fixtures
  • Working across engineering groups to define requirements and implement solutions
  • Executing deliverables based on prioritized implementation plans and timelines
  • Ability to rapidly change priorities between several projects
  • Structured root cause analysis of test failures
  • DAQ software experience (NI, Beckoff, Dewesoft)
  • DAQ hardware experience (NI, Beckoff, Dewesoft)
  • Operating or working with high-pressure gas systems
  • Operating or working with GOX, N2O, and other high-pressure oxidizer systems
  • Generating test system P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams) using Visio, Lucidchart, or equivalent
  • Creating and maintaining project schedules with Smartsheet, Project, or equivalent
  • SVN, GIT, or other version management systems
  • Teamcenter or other PLM systems
  • CAD systems, preferably NX
  • JIRA and/or Confluence
  • Selection of precision sensor and measurement devices (loadcells, thermocouples, pressure sensors, flow meters)

Additional Requirements

  • Must be able to work varying hours and shifts, including extended hours and weekends when needed
  • Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted and work in an outdoor, physically demanding test environment in conditions ranging from freezing to 120 degrees Fahrenheit

Compensation

  • Test Engineer I: $86,000-$120,000
  • Test Engineer II: $110,000-$155,000
  • Senior Test Engineer: $130,000-$190,000

Compensation will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand.

Benefits

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 ability to cash out unused vacation annually); paid parental leave; short and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; ClassPass credits; personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health; and discounts and perks. Free snacks, coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals; subsidized lunch.

Employment Details

This is a full-time, exempt position located at the Mojave Test Site in Mojave, California.

Export Control Compliance

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