Staff Environmental Test Engineer

<div class="content-intro"><p>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.</p></div><p>Vast is looking for a <strong>Staff</strong> <strong>Environmental Test Engineer</strong> reporting to the<strong> Senior Manager of Environmental Test, </strong>to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. As an Environmental Test Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the development and manufacturing of advanced avionics systems for our portfolio of space products, including liquid rocket engines and a commercial space station. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams of design/test engineers and technicians to ensure the successful manufacturing, assembly, and integration of avionics components and wire harnesses, contributing to the overall success of the business.</p>
<p>This will be a <strong>full-time</strong>, <strong>exempt</strong> position located in our <strong>Long Beach, CA </strong>location. </p>
<p><strong>Responsibilities:</strong><strong> </strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Collaborate with design teams to provide input on the manufacturability and assembly processes of avionics components and wire harnesses</li>
<li>Develop and optimize manufacturing processes and onboard equipment for avionics systems, considering factors such as efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness</li>
<li>Create and maintain detailed manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, and work instructions to ensure consistent and accurate production of avionics systems </li>
<li>Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges by conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions</li>
<li>Work closely with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality avionics components, reviewing and approving supplier manufacturing processes</li>
<li>Perform hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of avionics systems, ensuring compliance with engineering specifications and industry standards</li>
<li>Participate in design reviews, providing valuable insights to improve the manufacturability and reliability of avionics components</li>
<li>Collaborate with quality assurance teams to establish and maintain rigorous quality control processes for avionics manufacturing</li>
<li>Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall product quality</li>
<li>Stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in avionics manufacturing to drive innovation within the company</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Minimum Qualifications:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field</li>
<li>3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in the aerospace or avionics industry</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Preferred Skills & Experience:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>3+ years of experience in design and manufacturing of vibration test fixtures</li>
<li>3+ years of experience in design and manufacturing of thermal heat sinks and thermal vacuum fixtures</li>
<li>Understanding of SMC-S-016</li>
<li>Strong understanding of avionics systems, electronics manufacturing processes, and assembly techniques</li>
<li>Proficiency in CAD software (such as Siemens NX) for reviewing designs and creating manufacturing documentation</li>
<li>Familiarity with industry standards and regulations relevant to avionics manufacturing, such as IPC standards</li>
<li>Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to perform root cause analysis</li>
<li>Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross- functional teams</li>
<li>Hands-on experience with testing and troubleshooting avionics systems is desirable </li>
<li>Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies is a plus</li>
<li>Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Additional Requirements:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones</li>
<li>Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted</li>
</ul><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="title">Pay Range: California</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$160,000</span><span class="divider">—</span><span>$230,000 USD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><p style="line-height: 1;"><strong>COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS<br></strong><br>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: 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.</p>
<p style="line-height: 1;"><strong><br>U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS<br><br></strong>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 <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-120.62">22 C.F.R. § 120.62</a> 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.<br><br></p>
<p style="line-height: 1;"><strong>EQUAL OPPORTUNITY</strong><br><br>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.</p></div>