Mechanical Test Engineer II

Vast • Long Beach, CA

1d • $112,340 - $159,468 • Onsite

About The Position

Vast is seeking a Mechanical Test Engineer II to support development of systems for the design and build of human-rated space stations. Reporting to the Manager, Test Engineering, this engineer will develop and operate test rigs and ground support equipment (GSE) for Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) fluid, chemical, and electrical control systems. The role owns specific hardware test campaigns from setup through execution, data collection, and analysis, and involves hands-on assembly, integration, instrumentation, testing, and troubleshooting of ECLSS hardware.

The engineer will support Haven-1 flight hardware acceptance and qualification campaigns and perform development and R&D testing on ECLSS module and CLD-derived hardware. The role also contributes to standardized, production-ready test processes and works closely with ECLSS Manufacturing Engineers, Responsible Engineers, Test Technicians, and the Controls and Automation team. This is a full-time, exempt position based in Long Beach, California.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering.
• Hands-on experience with fluid and/or chemical systems, including fittings, valves, pumps, and sensors, and a working understanding of pressure systems.
• Demonstrated ability to build, operate, and troubleshoot test rigs and hardware from setup through data collection.
• Ability to create test procedures and work instructions and maintain test traceability from planning through execution.
• Willingness to work overtime or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds unassisted.
• Must be a U.S. person as defined by the cited regulations or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing.

Nice To Haves

• CAD experience, such as Siemens NX, for reviewing designs and creating test or manufacturing documentation.
• Programming experience, such as Python, for test automation and data analysis or review tools.
• Prior hands-on experience building and managing test campaigns or hardware development from concept through execution.
• Familiarity with Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentrations (SMACs) and their application to human-spaceflight air-quality assessment, contaminant control, and test-data interpretation.
• Experience safely handling chemicals and conducting chemical testing, including preparing solutions, operating relevant instrumentation, following SDS requirements, and managing chemical storage and waste disposal.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and operate test rigs and GSE for ECLSS fluid, chemical, and electrical control systems, owning hardware test campaigns from setup through execution, data collection, and analysis.
• Assemble, integrate, instrument, and test ECLSS hardware, including fluid systems, chemical subsystems, electrical controls, pumps, valves, sensors, tubing, and controls hardware.
• Troubleshoot components and support root-cause investigations of anomalies.
• Develop and maintain test procedures, work instructions, and hardware-specific documentation, ensuring traceability across planning, execution, and post-test data review.
• Support Haven-1 flight hardware acceptance and qualification test campaigns and conduct development and R&D testing on ECLSS module and CLD-derived hardware.
• Design test fixtures, wiring diagrams and schematics, and data acquisition (DAQ) setups.
• Collaborate with ECLSS Manufacturing Engineers, Responsible Engineers, Test Technicians, and the Controls and Automation team to align test setups with design intent and production testing needs.
• Contribute to the transition from R&D-level testing to standardized, production-ready test processes.
• Provide technical input during test readiness reviews and support continuous improvement to increase test efficiency and data quality.

Benefits

• Company equity for full-time employees.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
• Generous paid time off; exempt staff may receive 20+ vacation days and non-exempt staff may receive 10+ vacation days, 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.
• Free snacks, drip coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals; subsidized lunch.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level