Test Engineer, Structures Test

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are 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. Using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Our team is committed to executing our mission safely and on time.

About the role

We are looking for a Test Engineer, reporting to the Director of Structures Test, to support the development of systems required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This full-time, exempt position is located in Long Beach. In this role, you will support the ongoing development of our Haven-1 space station module, with a primary focus on primary and secondary structures testing. You will work closely with design engineers, test technicians, and other teams such as Manufacturing, Integration, and Avionics to meet design and mission requirements as well as industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Work under the direction of the Director of Structures Test to develop and execute testing on the primary and secondary structure of the Haven-1 Space Station
• Mentor other engineers and technicians on the team
• Adhere to, enforce, and improve the test processes and good practices of Vast and the test organization
• Produce professional and traceable documentation, including electrical, mechanical, and fluid schematics of the test systems
• Work with responsible engineers to design, prepare, and execute test campaigns, including the manufacture of new test stands and/or operation of existing resources
• Perform all necessary design, analysis, and project management
• Conduct Test Readiness Review (TRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), and/or Critical Design Review (CDR) before all design/tests are started
• Find creative solutions to unique issues to save cost and schedule while improving overall quality and safety
• Come up with great ideas and be empowered to make them a reality
• Design, analyze, and own the test setup
• Engage in continuous learning and improvement—and share insights with your team members
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 3+ years of experience in an engineering environment (test, launch, manufacturing, etc.)
• Must be able to travel to our Mojave Test site (~25% of the time)
• Must be able to work varying hours/shifts and available for extended hours as well as weekends when needed
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces; physically able to handle items weighing up to 25lbs (unassisted)
• Ability and desire to perform in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment

Skills

• Ability to design and perform product environmental testing based on requirements provided in SMC-S-016, GEVS NASA-STD-7000a, MIL STD 810G, etc.
• Experience planning and executing engineering operations in a time-sensitive and high-risk environment
• Own assembly, checkouts, and development test stands
• Ability to quickly understand and troubleshoot new/existing systems
• Experience writing and executing test plans/procedures in collaboration with design engineers
• Experience with designing and implementing instrumentation systems
• Experience in structural design and analysis of test fixtures
• Experience working across engineering groups to define requirements and implement solutions
• Execute deliverables based on prioritized implementation plans and timelines
• Ability to rapidly change priorities between several projects
• Identify key unknowns and quickly close knowledge gaps
• Deliver the highest value results quickly and iterate towards successive milestones
• Perform structured root cause analysis of test failures
• Experience designing and/or working with closed-loop control systems (hydraulic/pressure systems)
• Experience with DAQ software (e.g., NI, Beckoff, Dewesoft)
• Experience with DAQ hardware (e.g., NI, Beckoff, Dewesoft)
• Experience operating/working with high-pressure gas systems
• Experience generating test system P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram) using Visio, Lucidchart, or equivalent
• Experience creating and maintaining project schedules with Smartsheet, Project, or equivalent
• Experience with SVN, GIT, or other version management systems
• Experience with Teamcenter or other PLM systems
• Experience with CAD systems, preferably NX
• Experience with JIRA and/or Confluence
• Experience with selection of precision sensor and measurement devices (e.g., load cells, thermocouples, pressure sensors, deflection transducers)
• Ability to thrive as an individual contributor and as part of a team
• Ability to add something unique and positive to our team

Pay

California pay range: $112,340—$195,552 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
• Onsite food perks: snacks, drip coffee & barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals (free of charge), with lunch subsidized