Test Engineer, Structures Test Verified today

Vast · Long Beach, CA · Production · first seen 2026-08-05

About the role

Vast is looking for a Test Engineer to support the development of Haven-1 space station systems, with a primary focus on primary and secondary structures testing. You will report to the Director of Structures Test and work closely with design engineers, test technicians, manufacturing, integration, and avionics teams to meet design and mission requirements and industry standards.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute testing on primary and secondary structure of the Haven-1 Space Station
Design, prepare, and execute test campaigns, including manufacture of new test stands and operation of existing resources
Design, analyze, and own the test setup and associated documentation
Perform design, analysis, and project management for test systems
Conduct Test Readiness Review (TRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), and Critical Design Review (CDR) before design and tests begin
Create professional and traceable documentation including electrical, mechanical, and fluid schematics
Mentor engineers and technicians on the team
Find creative solutions to unique issues to save cost and schedule while improving quality and safety
Perform structured root cause analysis of test failures
Enforce and improve test processes and best practices

Minimum qualifications

Bachelor's degree or higher in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline
3 or more years of experience in an engineering environment (test, launch, manufacturing, etc.)

Preferred experience

Product environmental testing to SMC-S-016, GEVS NASA-STD-7000a, MIL STD 810G standards
Planning and executing operations in time-sensitive, high-risk environments
Assembly, checkouts, and development test stand ownership
Troubleshooting new or existing systems quickly
Writing and executing test plans and procedures with design engineers
Designing and implementing instrumentation systems
Structural design and analysis of test fixtures
Cross-functional requirements definition and solution implementation
Designing or working with closed-loop control systems (hydraulic and pressure systems)
DAQ software (NI, Beckoff, Dewesoft)
DAQ hardware (NI, Beckoff, Dewesoft)
Operating high-pressure gas systems
Generating P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams) in Visio, Lucidchart, or equivalent
CAD systems, preferably NX
Project scheduling tools (Smartsheet, Project, or equivalent)
Version control systems (SVN, GIT)
PLM systems (Teamcenter)
JIRA and Confluence
Precision sensor and measurement device selection (loadcells, thermocouples, pressure sensors, deflection transducers)
Root cause analysis and rapid troubleshooting
Ability to thrive as an individual contributor and team member

Additional requirements

Able to travel to Mojave Test site approximately 25% of the time
Able to work varying hours and shifts, including weekends and extended hours as needed
Able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces
Physically able to handle items weighing up to 25 lbs unassisted
Ability to perform in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment

Compensation

Base salary: $112,340-$195,552 USD. Full-time employees receive company equity and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off (20+ days vacation for exempt staff, 10+ days for non-exempt, with annual cash-out); paid parental leave; short and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; ClassPass credits; personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health; free snacks, coffee, cold drinks, and dinner; and subsidized lunch.

Export control

You must be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62, which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees or refugees with such status granted (not pending).