Fluids Test Engineer
$106k - $142k USD
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 Demo’s 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 world’s 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 Integration Test Engineer, reporting to the Sr. Manager, Integration Test, to 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-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities
- Own design, build, and commissioning of fluid system GSE and test stands.
- Develop clear and robust test plans for on-vehicle checkouts, fluids, instrumentation, and high-pressure testing.
- Act as test director, providing status updates and leading handoff meetings.
- Conduct PDRs, CDRs, and TRRs before design and test execution.
- Produce professional documentation including mechanical, fluid, and instrumentation schematics.
- Document non-conformances and collaborate with quality team on root cause corrective actions.
- Adhere to, enforce, and improve test processes and best practices.
- Collaborate with distributed engineering organizations to define test plans, requirements, and schedules.
- Partner with engineers, SMEs, and technicians to solve complex fluid system problems.
- Mentor engineers and technicians on the team.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, electrical, or similar field.
- 4+ years of related engineering experience.
- Hands on hardware integration and testing experience.
- Experience with working with technicians and running multi person operations.
- Experience writing test plans, procedures, presentations, and providing go/no-go judgment and rationale.
Preferred Skills & Experience
- Experience with pressure testing, fluid system design, proof and leak checks in compliance with ASME B31.3.
- Experience planning and executing engineering operations in time-sensitive, high-risk environments.
- Knowledge of pressure safety standards (D.O.O, ASME, API, NFPA) for quantity distance and keep-out zones.
- Experience with high-pressure gas systems and closed-loop control systems.
- Ability to design and perform environmental testing per SMC-S-016, GEVS NASA-STD-7000a, MIL STD 810G.
- Experience designing and implementing instrumentation systems and precision measurement devices.
- Experience with DAQ hardware and software (NI PXI, cRIO, cDAQ, Dewesoft, Beckhoff).
- Ability to generate test system P&IDs using Visio, Lucidchart, or equivalent.
- Experience writing and executing test plans/procedures in collaboration with design engineers.
- Perform structured root cause analysis of test failures.
- Experience in structural design and analysis of test fixtures.
- Proficiency with CAD systems (NX preferred).
- Experience with PLM systems (Teamcenter preferred) and version control (SVN, GIT).
- Experience with project scheduling tools (Smartsheet, MS Project, or equivalent).
- Experience with JIRA and/or Confluence.
- Ability to quickly troubleshoot new and existing systems.
- Ability to rapidly shift priorities across multiple projects and deliver high-value results iteratively.
- Strong collaboration skills across cross-functional engineering teams.
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to travel for vehicle test support (20%) including extended travel (up to 1 month) for final vehicle test.
- Ability to work varying hours, shifts, extended hours, and weekends as needed.
- Ability to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces; physically able to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.
- Ability to perform in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment.
Pay Range:
- Integration Engineer II: $106,000 - $141,500
- Senior Integration Engineer: $131,800 - $174,700
- Staff Integration Engineer: $154,300 - $204,500
Pay Range: California
$106,000—$204,500 USD
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff 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, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, 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.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.