Staff Test Engineer, Thermal Control Systems

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 Staff Test Engineer Thermal Control Systems reporting to the Manager Thermal Test Engineeringto support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

This will be a full-timeexemptposition located in ourLong Beachlocation.

Responsibilities:

• Lead definition of hardware/software best practices and standardization for the wider test engineering organization.
• Own and drive the full lifecycle of assigned thermal control system test campaigns from early concept development through execution data analysis and closeout supporting both near-term and long-term space habitat missions.
• Act as a go-to technical resource and mentor helping develop talent while maintaining high standards for safety quality and data integrity.
• Collaborate closely with thermal design analysis systems integration and manufacturing teams to provide input on manufacturability assembly and testability of thermal hardware including tubing heat exchangers cold plates pumps valves heaters and MLI.
• Lead cross-functional test initiatives and scoped projects delivering everything from analytical assessments and case studies to the design build and instrumentation of complex high-fidelity test environments and ground support equipment (GSE).
• Perform hands-on assembly integration instrumentation and testing of thermal and fluid systems ensuring compliance with engineering specifications safety protocols and industry standards.
• Develop document and maintain detailed test plans CONOPs procedures work instructions and manufacturing plans to ensure consistent traceable and repeatable execution of thermal system testing and assembly activities.
• Establish and enforce rigorous test traceability documenting all phases of design planning execution and post-processed data to ensure alignment with subsystem performance requirements and program-level milestones.
• Tackle complex technical challenges by performing deep root cause investigations coordinating with technicians engineers suppliers and leadership to implement robust long-lasting corrective actions.
• Serve as a technical authority with suppliers leading reviews and approvals of manufacturing and test processes to ensure timely delivery of high-quality thermal control components and test hardware.
• Provide senior technical input in design and test reviews (PDR CDR TRR etc.) shaping decisions to improve manufacturability testability reliability and overall system performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying systemic opportunities to improve test efficiency manufacturing yield data quality and overall program execution and by influencing adoption across teams.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Manufacturing Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 15 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.
• Experience developing test automation and data review tools for hardware test environments including test execution data acquisition and post-test analysis.
• Demonstrated experience owning and executing complex test campaigns from objective definition and CONOP development through GSE design build instrumentation test execution and data analysis.
• Proficiency in CAD software (such as Siemens NX) for reviewing designs creating manufacturing and test documentation and supporting hardware development.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional engineering initiatives and drive projects to on-time completion in fast-paced environments.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Hands-on experience developing testing or operating systems that utilize supercritical fluids including an understanding of associated thermal mechanical and safety considerations.
• Advanced GD&T expertise with experience creating reviewing and approving engineering drawings and ensuring intent is correctly translated into manufactured hardware.
• Deep technical understanding of thermal control hardware manufacturing and assembly processes including fluid tubing heat exchangers cold plates and MLI with the ability to identify and resolve manufacturability risks.
• Experience leading and executing high-pressure and LN2 test operations including serving as test conductor and providing technical oversight to test operators.
• Strong familiarity with aerospace test standards and codes (e.g. SMC-S-016 ASME B31.3) with demonstrated ability to interpret apply and enforce requirements in real-world test environments.
• Thorough understanding of the aerospace test lifecycle including PDR CDR TRR ATP QTP and related program milestones with experience influencing technical decisions at each phase.
• Deep knowledge of data acquisition systems sensor selection signal diagnostics and data analysis techniques with the ability to assess data quality and guide others in proper implementation.
• Experience with paints coatings adhesives and contamination-sensitive processes in an aerospace environment including the ability to assess impacts to thermal and system performance.
• Multidisciplinary technical capability with recognized depth in a primary discipline and effective working knowledge across controls electronics wiring and instrumentation.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends as needed to support critical test campaigns and mission milestones.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY