Test Engineer II Verified today

About Vast

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure. Haven-1 is expected to become the world's first commercial space station when it launches in 2027. The company is headquartered in Long Beach, California, with over 1,000 employees and more than a billion dollars in private capital.

The Role

You'll work as a Test Engineer II, reporting to the Manager, Test Engineering. This is a full-time, exempt position at our Long Beach location supporting the development of systems required for human-rated space stations.

What You'll Do

• Design, build, and operate test rigs and 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 spanning fluid systems, chemical subsystems, and electrical controls including pumps, valves, sensors, tubing, and controls hardware at operating pressures, including troubleshooting 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 and R&D testing on ECLSS module and CLD-derived hardware to inform design maturity and manufacturability
• Design test fixtures, wiring diagrams, schematics, and DAQ setups, and collaborate with ECLSS Manufacturing Engineers, Responsible Engineers, Test Technicians, and the Controls and Automation team
• Contribute to the team's transition from R&D-level testing toward standardized, production-ready test processes 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 and manufacturing documentation
• Programming experience (e.g., Python) for test automation and data analysis and 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: $112,340 to $159,468 USD (California). Base salary varies depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Full-time employees receive company equity and benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage; generous paid time off (20+ days vacation for exempt staff); 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, cold drinks, and dinner meals; and subsidized lunch.

Export Control

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. This includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted (not pending).