Fluids Test Engineer

About the role

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. We are looking for an Integration Test Engineer to support the development of the systems required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This is a full-time, exempt position located in Long Beach.

Responsibilities

• Own design, build, and commissioning of fluid system GSE and test stands.
• Develop clear and robust test plans for on-vehicle checkouts, fluids, instrumentation, and high-pressure testing.
• Act as test director, providing status updates and leading handoff meetings.
• Conduct PDRs, CDRs, and TRRs before design and test execution.
• Produce professional documentation including mechanical, fluid, and instrumentation schematics.
• Document non-conformances and collaborate with quality team on root cause corrective actions.
• Adhere to, enforce, and improve test processes and best practices.
• Collaborate with distributed engineering organizations to define test plans, requirements, and schedules.
• Partner with engineers, SMEs, and technicians to solve complex fluid system problems.
• Mentor engineers and technicians on the team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, electrical, or similar field.
• 4+ years of related engineering experience.
• Hands-on hardware integration and testing experience.
• Experience working with technicians and running multi-person operations.
• Experience writing test plans, procedures, presentations, and providing go/no-go judgment and rationale.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with pressure testing, fluid system design, proof and leak checks in compliance with ASME B31.3.
• Experience planning and executing engineering operations in time-sensitive, high-risk environments.
• Knowledge of pressure safety standards (D.O.O, ASME, API, NFPA) for quantity distance and keep-out zones.
• Experience with high-pressure gas systems and closed-loop control systems.
• Ability to design and perform environmental testing per SMC-S-016, GEVS NASA-STD-7000a, MIL STD 810G.
• Experience designing and implementing instrumentation systems and precision measurement devices.
• Experience with DAQ hardware and software (NI PXI, cRIO, cDAQ, Dewesoft, Beckhoff).
• Ability to generate test system P&IDs using Visio, Lucidchart, or equivalent.
• Experience writing and executing test plans/procedures in collaboration with design engineers.
• Perform structured root cause analysis of test failures.
• Experience in structural design and analysis of test fixtures.
• Proficiency with CAD systems (NX preferred).
• Experience with PLM systems (Teamcenter preferred) and version control (SVN, GIT).
• Experience with project scheduling tools (Smartsheet, MS Project, or equivalent).
• Experience with JIRA and/or Confluence.
• Ability to quickly troubleshoot new and existing systems.
• Ability to rapidly shift priorities across multiple projects and deliver high-value results iteratively.
• Strong collaboration skills across cross-functional engineering teams.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel for vehicle test support (20%) including extended travel (up to 1 month) for final vehicle test.
• Ability to work varying hours, shifts, extended hours, and weekends as needed.
• Ability to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces; physically able to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment.

Pay

Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. The pay range for this role is:

• Integration Engineer II: $112,340 - $159,468
• Senior Integration Engineer: $137,760 - $195,552
• Staff Integration Engineer: $162,360 - $230,472

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.
• Onsite food perks: snacks, drip coffee & barista, cold drinks, free dinner meals, and subsidized lunch.

U.S. export control compliance: 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.