Mechanical Test Engineer II Verified today

About Vast

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure. Haven Demo became operational in 2025, making Vast the only 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, with additional modules to follow. Vast also recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Vast has over 1,000 employees and more than a billion dollars in private capital.

The Role

You will join the Test Engineering team as Mechanical Test Engineer II, reporting to the Manager, Test Engineering. This is a full-time, exempt position in Long Beach supporting the design and build of human-rated space stations.

What You Will Do

• Design, build, and operate test rigs and ground support equipment (GSE) for ECLSS fluid, chemical, and electrical control systems, owning specific hardware test campaigns from setup through execution, data collection, and analysis
• Perform hands-on assembly, integration, instrumentation, and testing of ECLSS hardware including pumps, valves, sensors, tubing, and controls hardware at operating pressures, including troubleshooting components and supporting root cause investigations
• Develop and maintain test procedures, work instructions, and hardware-specific documentation, ensuring test traceability across planning, execution, and post-test data review
• Support Haven-1 flight hardware by contributing to Acceptance and Qualification Test Campaigns and conduct development/R&D testing on ECLSS module and CLD-derived hardware to inform design maturity and manufacturability
• Design test fixtures, wiring diagrams, schematics, and data acquisition (DAQ) setups, and collaborate closely with ECLSS Manufacturing Engineers, Responsible Engineers, Test Technicians, and Controls and Automation team
• Contribute to the team's transition from R&D-level testing toward standardized, production-ready test processes, provide technical input during test readiness reviews, and support continuous improvement efforts

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering
• Hands-on experience with fluid and/or chemical systems, including fittings, valves, pumps, and sensors, with a working understanding of pressure systems
• Demonstrated ability to build, operate, and troubleshoot test rigs and hardware from setup through data collection
• Ability to create test documentation (procedures and work instructions) and maintain test traceability from planning through execution

Preferred Skills and Experience

• CAD experience (e.g., Siemens NX) for reviewing designs and creating test/manufacturing documentation
• Programming experience (e.g., Python) for test automation and data analysis/review tools
• Prior hands-on experience building and managing test campaigns or hardware development from concept through execution
• Familiarity with Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentrations (SMACs) and their application to human-spaceflight air-quality assessment, contaminant control, and test-data interpretation
• Experience safely handling chemicals and executing chemical testing, including preparing solutions, operating relevant instrumentation, following SDS requirements, and managing chemical storage and waste disposal

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work overtime or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted

Compensation

Pay range for California: $112,340 to $159,468 USD. Compensation is calibrated to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. Full-time employees receive company equity and access to medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off (20+ days 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; mental healthcare through Spring Health; free snacks, coffee, and meals; and subsidized lunch.