Senior Test Engineer, Thermal Control Systems
About The Position
Vast is seeking a Senior Test Engineer, Thermal Control Systems, to support the development of systems required to design and build human-rated space stations. The role reports to the Manager, Thermal Test Engineering and is a full-time, exempt position at Vast’s Long Beach, California location. The engineer will own thermal control system test campaigns of moderate complexity from initial concept of operations and test planning through ground support equipment design and build, instrumentation, test execution, analysis, and closeout. The work includes hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of thermal and fluid hardware; development and maintenance of test and manufacturing documentation; and collaboration with design, analysis, systems, integration, manufacturing, and supplier teams. The role also addresses technical issues through root-cause analysis, contributes to engineering reviews and continuous improvement, and provides informal mentorship to junior engineers. Vast is developing commercial space stations and related space infrastructure, including the Haven station program and a high-power satellite product line. The company is headquartered in Long Beach, California, has more than 1,000 employees, and plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, government partners, and other crewed systems.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- At least 5 years of experience across thermal systems, fluid systems, manufacturing engineering, and/or test engineering in aerospace or similarly demanding environments.
- Strong foundation in fluid systems, including fluid mechanics, system design, P&IDs, test instrumentation and fittings, safety protocols, and troubleshooting methodologies.
- Hands-on experience testing and troubleshooting fluid, mechanical, and electromechanical components and performing root-cause analysis of failures.
- Demonstrated experience owning and executing test campaigns end-to-end, from objective definition and CONOP development through GSE design, build, instrumentation, execution, and data analysis.
- Experience contributing to test automation and data-review tools.
- Proficiency in CAD software, such as Siemens NX, for reviewing designs and creating manufacturing and test documentation.
- Ability to contribute to cross-functional engineering initiatives and drive projects to on-time completion in fast-paced environments.
Nice To Haves
- Hands-on experience with supercritical fluid systems and high-pressure and LN2 test operations, including serving as test conductor.
- Experience with thermal control hardware manufacturing and assembly processes, including fluid tubing, heat exchangers, cold plates, and MLI, and ability to identify manufacturability risks.
- Working GD&T proficiency for reviewing engineering drawings and ensuring design intent translates correctly into manufactured hardware.
- Experience with paints, coatings, adhesives, and contamination-sensitive processes in an aerospace environment.
- Familiarity with aerospace test standards and codes, such as SMC-S-016 and ASME B31.3, and the aerospace test lifecycle, including PDR, CDR, TRR, ATP, and QTP.
- Working knowledge of data acquisition systems, sensor selection, signal diagnostics, and data analysis techniques, with depth in a primary discipline and working knowledge across controls, electronics, wiring, and instrumentation.
Responsibilities
- Own and drive assigned thermal control system test campaigns of moderate complexity, from CONOP and test-plan development through GSE design, build, instrumentation, execution, data analysis, and closeout.
- Perform hands-on assembly, integration, instrumentation, and testing of thermal and fluid systems, including tubing, heat exchangers, cold plates, pumps, valves, heaters, and MLI, while following engineering specifications, safety protocols, and industry standards.
- Develop and maintain test plans, procedures, work instructions, and manufacturing plans, and maintain test traceability across design, planning, execution, and post-processed data.
- Collaborate with thermal design, analysis, systems, integration, and manufacturing teams, and support suppliers, to address manufacturability, assembly, and testability and support timely delivery of quality components.
- Investigate and resolve complex technical issues through root-cause analysis, coordinating with technicians, engineers, and suppliers to implement corrective actions.
- Provide technical input in design and test reviews, including PDR, CDR, and TRR, and contribute to improvements in test efficiency, manufacturing yield, and data quality.
- Serve as a technical contributor and informal mentor to junior engineers, and help establish best practices and standardization within the test engineering team.
Benefits
- Company equity for full-time employees.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
- Paid time off, including vacation; exempt staff may receive up to 20+ vacation days and non-exempt staff up to 10+ 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
