Test Specialist

At Vast our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing and unlocking a new space economy for government corporate and private customers. Using an incremental hardware-rich and low-cost approach Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demos 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next Haven-1 is expected to become the worlds first commercial space station when it launches followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. 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.

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

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

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• 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).

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work overtime or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.
• Ability to travel to Mojave Air and Space Port with short notice.
• Ability to to work from elevated heights and outdoor environments.

Pay Range:

• Test Specialist I: $40.00 - $55.00

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY