Senior Materials Testing Technician

Vast•Long Beach, CA

2d•$40 - $56•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 as they evaluate materials and manufacturing processes for flight applications. The position is full-time, non-exempt, and located at Vast’s Long Beach facility. The technician will test a range of spacecraft materials and properties, execute engineering test plans and applicable standards, maintain accurate records and traceability, and support qualification, validation, environmental testing, and failure investigations. The role works closely with Materials & Processes, Manufacturing, Quality, Design Engineering, and Production teams, while maintaining laboratory equipment and following safety procedures. The role requires the ability to lift up to 25 pounds unassisted, stand for extended periods, perform hands-on laboratory work, and wear appropriate PPE. Overtime and/or weekend work may be needed to support critical test, production, and mission milestones. The listed California pay range is $40–$56 USD. Compensation is calibrated to the selected candidate’s experience and demonstrated capability. Full-time employees receive company equity and benefits that include medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off; paid parental leave; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; access to a 401(k); ClassPass credits; personalized mental healthcare; and various food perks, discounts, and other benefits.

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 independently and as part of a cross-functional technical team.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds unassisted, stand for extended periods, perform hands-on laboratory work, and wear appropriate PPE 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 for spacecraft development, qualification, and production.
Prepare, label, track, and document material specimens and test samples according to procedures and specifications.
Set up and operate laboratory equipment to evaluate mechanical, thermal, physical, and environmental material properties.
Support testing of metals, polymers, adhesives, coatings, composites, elastomers, and other spacecraft materials.
Execute tests according to engineering test plans, work instructions, ASTM standards, NASA standards, and internal specifications.
Collect, organize, and document test data, ensuring accuracy, traceability, and configuration control.
Assist Materials & Processes engineers with material qualification and process validation testing.
Inspect and measure test specimens using laboratory and dimensional inspection equipment.
Support environmental testing, including thermal cycling, vacuum compatibility/outgassing, flammability, and other spacecraft-specific material evaluations.
Maintain laboratory equipment, tooling, fixtures, consumables, and test areas for 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.
Maintain 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 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.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
Paid time off, including vacation; non-exempt staff may receive up to 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.
Snacks, drip coffee, onsite barista, and cold drinks at no charge.
Dinner meals at no charge and subsidized lunch.
Other discounts and perks.