Test Engineer, Structures Test Verified today

About Vast

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. 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 become the world's first commercial space station when it launches in 2027.

The Role

You will support the development of Haven-1 space station modules as a Test Engineer, reporting to the Director of Structures Test. Your primary focus will be on primary and secondary structures testing. You will work closely with design engineers, test technicians, manufacturing, integration, and avionics teams to meet design and mission requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute testing on primary and secondary structures of Haven-1
• Design, prepare, and execute test campaigns in collaboration with responsible engineers
• Design, analyze, and own the test setup and manufacture of new test stands or operation of existing resources
• Produce professional and traceable documentation including electrical, mechanical, and fluid schematics
• Conduct TRR (Test Readiness Review), PDR (Preliminary Design Review), and CDR (Critical Design Review) before design and tests commence
• 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
• Find creative solutions to unique issues to save cost and schedule while improving quality and safety
• Identify key unknowns and quickly close knowledge gaps
• Perform structured root cause analysis of test failures

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience in an engineering environment (test, launch, manufacturing, etc.)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Product environmental testing per SMC-S-016, GEVS NASA-STD-7000a, MIL STD 810G
• Planning and executing engineering operations in time-sensitive, high-risk environments
• Assembly, checkouts, and development test stands
• Troubleshooting new and existing systems
• Writing and executing test plans and procedures
• Designing and implementing instrumentation systems
• Structural design and analysis of test fixtures
• Closed-loop control systems (hydraulic and pressure systems)
• DAQ software (NI, Beckoff, Dewesoft)
• DAQ hardware (NI, Beckoff, Dewesoft)
• High-pressure gas systems
• P&ID generation using Visio, Lucidchart, or equivalent
• CAD systems, preferably NX
• Project scheduling tools (Smartsheet, Project)
• Version management (SVN, GIT)
• PLM systems (Teamcenter)
• JIRA and Confluence
• Selection of precision sensors and measurement devices (load cells, thermocouples, pressure sensors, deflection transducers)
• Ability to thrive as an individual contributor and team member

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to travel to Mojave Test site approximately 25% of the time
• Must be able to work varying hours and shifts, including extended hours and weekends as needed
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces
• Physically able to handle items weighing up to 25 lbs unassisted
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment

Employment Details

Full-time, exempt position located in Long Beach, California.

Pay range: $86,100 to $195,552 USD annually. Compensation will be calibrated to selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability.

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

Benefits

Full-time employees receive company equity and a comprehensive benefits package including: medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off with 20+ days vacation for exempt staff and the 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; free snacks, drip coffee, onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals; and subsidized lunch.