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Jobs · Engineering · California

Controls and Automation Engineer II

Vast · Long Beach, CA · 1 wk ago
On-siteEngineering$121k–$171k/yrFull-time

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers.

About the role

Vast is looking for a Controls & Automation Engineer II to support the development of the systems required for the design and build of human-rated space stations. This is a full-time, exempt position located in Long Beach, reporting to the Manager, Controls & Automation.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain a data acquisition and controls stack to support a wide range of partnering test teams at the Long Beach site—creating software tools and setting standards for test assets and practices.
  • Design, implement, and own complex control systems for testing space-rated hardware, with responsibility for both hardware and software components.
  • Collaborate across disciplines—including software, thermal, manufacturing, propulsion, ECLSS, and mechanical test teams—to drive robust testing practices, gather upgrade requests, and define new capabilities for the test stack.
  • Troubleshoot and debug test assets to resolve issues quickly and ensure optimal test system performance.

Requirements

  • Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or other engineering discipline.
  • 3+ years of applied experience with programmable logic controllers or similar embedded systems.
  • Working knowledge of supporting engineering skills (Wire Harnessing, electrical diagrams, signal processing).
  • Willingness to work overtime or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
  • Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted.

Preferred Skills & Experience

  • 2+ years of experience with TwinCat programming and Beckhoff hardware.
  • 2+ years of professional experience testing, troubleshooting, and debugging mechanical, electrical, and software issues.
  • Coding proficiency in one or more languages (Python, C#, C++, JS, ST, etc.).
  • Working knowledge of version control (Git, GitLab) and software development.
  • Working knowledge of instrumentation selection.
  • Familiarity with the processes behind spaceflight testing (ATP/QTP).
  • Understanding of industrial communication protocols (EtherCAT, Profinet, etc).
  • Understanding of industrial standards (UL508A, NFPA 70, ISO 13849, etc).

Pay

California pay range: $120,540—$171,100 USD. Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand.

Benefits

  • Company equity for full-time employees.
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
  • Generous paid time off: up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days for non-exempt staff, with the ability to cash out unused vacation annually.
  • Paid parental leave.
  • Short and long-term disability insurance.
  • Life insurance.
  • Access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
  • ClassPass credits.
  • Personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health.
  • Other discounts and perks.
  • Exceptional food perks: free snacks, drip coffee, onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals; subsidized lunch.

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