Senior Materials Testing Technician

Vast•Long Beach, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Vast is seeking a Senior Materials Testing Technician to support materials testing, characterization, and qualification for the development and production of human-rated spacecraft and space station hardware. Reporting to the M&P Supervisor Materials Testing, this hands-on laboratory role involves preparing samples, operating test equipment, collecting data, and supporting engineers in evaluating materials and manufacturing processes for flight applications. The position is full-time, non-exempt, and located at Vast’s Long Beach facility.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 5 years of experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, testing, inspection, quality, or other hands-on technical environment.
Technical proficiency with Syft, TGA, FTIR, DSC, and flammability testing.
Experience following written technical procedures, work instructions, or test specifications.
Ability to accurately collect, document, and communicate technical data.
Basic proficiency using hand tools, measurement equipment, and/or laboratory equipment.
Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Excel and electronic documentation systems.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate records and material traceability.
Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a cross-functional technical team.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds unassisted.
Ability to stand for extended periods and perform hands-on laboratory work.
Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment as required.
Willingness to work overtime and/or weekends when necessary to support critical test, production, and mission milestones.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or technical certification in materials science, engineering technology, chemistry, manufacturing, aerospace, or a related technical discipline.
Experience in aerospace, spacecraft, automotive, defense, medical device, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
Hands-on experience with material specimen preparation, mechanical testing, environmental testing, or material characterization.
Experience with tensile, compression, hardness, adhesion, thermal, or other mechanical/material testing methods.
Familiarity with aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, composites, adhesives, polymers, coatings, and elastomers.
Familiarity with universal testing machines, hardness testers, environmental chambers, microscopes, ovens, balances, or dimensional inspection equipment.
Familiarity with ASTM, NASA, or aerospace material testing standards.
Experience supporting material qualification, process qualification, failure analysis, or root-cause investigations.
Experience working within AS9100 or another quality-controlled manufacturing environment.
Familiarity with material certifications, lot traceability, calibration requirements, and controlled documentation.
Experience safely handling chemicals and following laboratory safety and hazardous material procedures.
Ability to read engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.

Responsibilities

Perform hands-on materials testing and characterization in support of spacecraft development, qualification, and production.
Prepare, label, track, and document material specimens and test samples according to established procedures and specifications.
Set up and operate laboratory test equipment used to evaluate mechanical, thermal, physical, and environmental material properties.
Support testing of metals, polymers, adhesives, coatings, composites, elastomers, and other materials used in spacecraft hardware.
Execute testing according to engineering test plans, work instructions, ASTM standards, NASA standards, and internal specifications.
Collect, organize, and document test data while ensuring accuracy, traceability, and proper configuration control.
Assist Materials & Processes engineers with material qualification and process validation testing.
Perform routine inspection and measurement of test specimens using laboratory and dimensional inspection equipment.
Support environmental testing, including thermal cycling, vacuum compatibility and outgassing, flammability, and other spacecraft-specific material evaluations.
Maintain laboratory equipment, tooling, fixtures, consumables, and test areas to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Identify unexpected test results, equipment issues, or material nonconformances and escalate findings to the appropriate engineering team.
Assist with failure investigations and root-cause analysis by preparing samples and supporting material characterization activities.
Maintain accurate laboratory records, test logs, equipment calibration status, and material traceability documentation.
Work with Materials & Processes, Manufacturing, Quality, Design Engineering, and Production teams to support hardware development and build schedules.
Follow applicable safety procedures when handling chemicals, materials, test equipment, and laboratory processes.
Support continuous improvement of laboratory procedures, test methods, fixtures, and workflows.

Benefits

Company equity for full-time employees.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
Paid time off, including 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.
Free snacks, drip coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals; subsidized lunch.