Test Specialist

Vast • Long Beach, CA

5h • Onsite

About The Position

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low-Earth orbit in 2026. It is part of our stepping stone approach to continuous human presence in LEO. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.
Vast is looking for a Test Specialist reporting to the Director of Structures & Mechanisms Test Team, assisting in development, qualification, and acceptance testing for the Haven-1 components and structure. This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail and excellent people skills.
This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Requirements

• Has prior experience in a specific testing field and electrical experience combined (3+years).
• HS Diploma or equivalency certificate.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of running tests using manufacturing and operational procedure focused software.
• Experience setting up hydraulic load and structures testing for aerospace components/vehicles, or similar.
• Experience setting up leak and pneumatic pressure testing for aerospace components and vehicles, or similar.
• Proficient knowledge and skill working with various sensors (strain gauges, load cells, pressure transducers, thermocouples, etc.).
• Knowledge of PMS (Preventative Maintenance Schedule) of testing equipment.
• Knowledge of data acquisition systems (Analog inputs, analog output, digital inputs, digital outputs).
• Proficiency with relevant aerospace testing standards (SMC-S-016, MIL-STD-810G, GSFC-STD-7000B, etc.).
• Knowledge of Jira project management and Google apps: gmail, docs, sheets, slides, etc.
• Knowledge of maintaining calibrations of instrumentation devices (load cells, pressure transducers, power supplies, etc.).
• Knowledge of test equipment assembly and fabrication: hydraulic hoses, AN fittings with stainless steel hardline, unistrut, 80/20, etc.
• Knowledge of light fabrication skills (welding, machining, sheet metal, drilling, mill and lathe).

Responsibilities

• Assists engineering with projects and test campaigns with instrumentation and DAQ support.
• Can setup and operate tests with engineering guidance.
• Consistently brings improvements to engineering with a plan to implement them.
• Setup structural and mechanisms tests for development, qualification, and acceptance test campaigns.
• Prepare test set-ups that may involve crane operations and assist in lifting operations.
• Work on problems of diverse or complex scope with minimal to no guidance.
• Make independent decisions and take action within established practices and procedures.
• Assist in updating test procedures and provide feedback to improve robustness/automation/duration.
• Troubleshoots DAQ and/or test setup issues and implements solutions.
• Assist engineering with test fixture design and implement best practices for DFM/T (Design for Manufacturability/Test).
• Review test requirements, RFQs (Request for Quote), SOWs (Statement of Work), etc. as it relates to testing and test equipment.
• Knowledge of running data logging and data processing.
• Has extensive knowledge of a variety of instrumentation (to include load cells, pressure transducers, strain gages, thermocouples, deflection transducers) and can recommend what should be used during testing to fulfil requirements.
• Can independently create and execute tasks/projects autonomously.
• Can find issues and implement solutions before they happen.
• Assists with training and mentoring less experienced team members.
• Can lead a group of 2 or more test technicians to complete a task or project.

Benefits

• 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees