Vast · 23 hours ago
Instrumentation Test Engineer
Long Beach, California, United States
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$110K/yr - $176K/yr
3+ years expVast is a company focused on developing next-generation space stations to support human presence in space. They are seeking an Instrumentation Test Engineer to support the development of their Haven-1 space station module, primarily focusing on testing the primary and secondary structures while collaborating with various engineering teams.
Defense & Space
Responsibilities
Work under the direction of the Director of Structures Test to develop and execute testing on primary and secondary structure of the Haven-1 Space Station
Design, commission, and own data acquisition systems
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, software, and electro-mechanical of the test systems used
Work with responsible engineers to design, prepare, and execute test campaigns. This includes the buildup of new test systems and/or operation of existing systems
Perform all necessary design, commissioning, and project management of new systems used for testing
Present at TRR (Test Readiness Review), PDR (Preliminary Design Review) and/or CDR (Critical Design Review) before all test systems are started
Find creative solutions to unique issues in order to save cost and schedule while improving overall quality and safety
Come up with great ideas and be empowered to make them a reality
Continuous learning/Improvement—and share them with your team members
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree or higher in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or other engineering discipline
3+ years of experience in an engineering environment (test, launch, automation, etc.)
Must be able to travel to our Mojave Test site (up to 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 be able to 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
Preferred
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 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 root cause analysis of system failures and provide practical solutions
Experience designing and/or working with closed-loop control systems i.e. Pneumatic or Hydraulic Actuators
Experience with selection of precision sensor and measurement devices (i.e. load cells, thermocouples, pressure sensors, deflection transducers, strain gauges)
Experience with harnessing sensors to DAQ systems
Experience working with DAQ software and hardware i.e. NI, Beckhoff, and/or Dewesoft
Experience with programming in Python, C++, or other text based languages
Experience generating test system P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram) using Visio / Lucidchart or equivalent
Experience with 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, NX preferable
Benefits
100% 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 of vacation 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, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees
Company
Vast
Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure 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.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Max Haot
Chief Executive Officer
Alex Hudson
Chief Technology Officer
Recent News
2025-10-17
2025-09-24
The Orlando Sentinel
2025-09-14
Company data provided by crunchbase