Shift Lead, Space Simulation Technician

Vast • Long Beach, CA

4d • $39 - $55 • Onsite

About The Position

Vast is hiring a Shift Lead, Space Simulation Technician to support development of systems for artificial-gravity, human-rated space stations. The role is based at Vast’s Long Beach location and reports to the Supervisor, Environmental Testing. It is a full-time, non-exempt position supporting either first shift (6:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.) or second shift (2:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m.). The position may require evening and/or weekend work to support critical mission milestones.

The Shift Lead coordinates and guides a medium-size technician team and supports the setup, testing, operation, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of laboratory equipment and flight hardware. Testing environments include vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, and thermal cycle. The role also supports development, acceptance, qualification, and investigative test campaigns, while maintaining lab and workshop readiness, safety, cleanliness, tooling, consumables, and supporting infrastructure.

The minimum qualifications are a high school diploma or equivalent and at least three years of experience performing vibration and/or thermal vacuum testing. The role requires the ability to lift up to 25 pounds unassisted. The stated California pay range is $38.83–$55.13 USD; compensation is calibrated to the selected candidate’s experience and demonstrated capability.

Full-time employees receive company equity and access to benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, paid parental leave, short- and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare, and discounts and perks. Food perks include free snacks, drip coffee, barista service, cold drinks, and dinner, with subsidized lunch.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience performing vibration and/or thermal vacuum testing.
• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds unassisted.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in aerospace, power and gas, military, or another high-reliability manufacturing industry.
• Experience in the HVAC or industrial gas industry.
• Experience with precision cleaning and assembly of precision-cleaned systems.
• Experience working in a cleanroom environment.
• Experience building, modifying, troubleshooting, maintaining, and operating high-pressure equipment.
• Experience building, modifying, troubleshooting, maintaining, and operating automation and control systems, including data acquisition systems and programmable logic controllers.
• Experience with hazardous systems such as cryogenic, flammable, pyrophoric, hypergolic, or high-voltage systems.
• Demonstrated success in a role requiring quick thinking and problem-solving.
• Experience with forklifts, cranes, aerial platforms, and other industrial equipment.
• Experience with Jira project management software and Confluence.
• Experience with relevant aerospace testing standards, such as SMC-S-016, MIL-STD-810G, and GSFC-STD-7000B.
• Skill in operating machinery and hand tools.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Comfort working in a rapidly changing, ambiguous environment while balancing multiple projects and maintaining flexibility.

Responsibilities

• Organize, coordinate, prioritize, and communicate day-to-day development and manufacturing work assignments for a medium-size technician team.
• Lead by example and demonstrate a strong work and safety culture.
• Review test plans, requirements, statements of work, fixture designs, and related materials.
• Train and onboard new team members.
• Support team members with their daily tasks.
• Set up and test flight hardware for vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, and thermal-cycle environments.
• Operate, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain test laboratory equipment.
• Support development, acceptance, qualification, and investigative test campaigns using Jira and Manufacturo.
• Maintain the laboratory and workshop, including cleanliness, consumable supplies, tool control, and supporting design and build infrastructure.
• Read and interpret technical drawings and work instructions.
• Work evenings and/or weekends as needed to support critical mission milestones.

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 and can 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, onsite barista service, cold drinks, and dinner meals.
• Subsidized lunch.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED