Test Engineer

Vast is looking for a Test Engineer, reporting to the Staff Components Test Engineer, to support the development of systems required for the design and build of human-rated space stations. In this role, you will support the ongoing development of the Haven-1 space station module, with a primary focus on components and assemblies testing that require quantity distance (QD) to perform. You will work closely with design REs, test technicians, and teams such as Components, ECLSS, and Propulsion to meet design and mission requirements and industry standards.

This is a full-time, exempt position located at the Mojave Test Site.

Responsibilities:

• Work under the direction of the Components team to develop and execute testing on components and assemblies of the ECLSS, Propulsion, and ground support systems of the Haven-1 Space Station
• Mentor other engineers and technicians on the team
• Adhere to, enforce, and improve the test processes and good practices of Vast and the test organization
• Produce professional and traceable documentation, including electrical, mechanical, and fluid schematics of the test systems
• Work with responsible engineers to design, prepare, and execute test campaigns, including manufacturing new test stands and operating existing resources
• Perform all necessary design, analysis, and project management
• Conduct TRR (Test Readiness Review) before all tests are started
• Find creative solutions to unique issues to save cost and schedule while improving overall quality and safety
• Come up with great ideas and be empowered to make them a reality
• Design, analyze, and own the test setup
• Continuously learn and improve, and share learnings with team members

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or another engineering discipline
• 3+ years of experience in an engineering environment, including test, launch, manufacturing, or clubs

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Ability to design and perform product environmental testing based on SMC-S-016, GEVS NASA-STD-7000a, and MIL-STD-810G
• Experience planning and executing engineering operations in time-sensitive and high-risk environments
• Experience owning assembly, checkout, and development of test stands
• Ability to quickly understand and troubleshoot new and existing systems
• Experience writing and executing test plans and procedures in collaboration with design engineers
• Experience designing and implementing instrumentation systems
• Experience in structural design and analysis of test fixtures
• Experience working across engineering groups to define requirements and implement solutions
• Ability to execute deliverables based on prioritized implementation plans and timelines
• Ability to rapidly change priorities between several projects
• Ability to identify key unknowns and quickly close knowledge gaps
• Ability to perform structured root cause analysis of test failures
• Experience with DAQ software and hardware, including NI, Beckhoff, and/or Dewesoft
• Experience operating or working with high-pressure gas systems
• Experience operating or working with GOX, N2O, and other high-pressure oxidizer systems
• Experience generating test system P&IDs using Visio, Lucidchart, or equivalent
• Experience creating and maintaining project schedules with Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, or equivalent
• Experience with SVN, Git, or other version management systems
• Experience with Teamcenter or other PLM systems
• Experience with CAD systems; NX preferred
• Experience with JIRA and/or Confluence
• Experience selecting precision sensors and measurement devices, including load cells, thermocouples, pressure sensors, and flow meters

Additional Requirements:

• Must be able to work varying hours and shifts and be available for extended hours and weekends when needed
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, maneuver in tight spaces, and physically handle items weighing up to 25 pounds unassisted
• Ability to work in extreme desert environments, including temperatures from 20°F to 115°F, UV Index 10+, and local wildlife

Pay Range:

• Test Engineer I: $86,000 - $120,000
• Test Engineer II: $110,000 - $155,000
• Senior Test Engineer: $130,000 - $190,000

Compensation and Benefits:

Base salary varies depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is one component of the compensation package. Full-time employees receive company equity and access to medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, paid time off, paid parental leave, short- and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, discounts, snacks, coffee, drinks, dinner meals, and subsidized lunch.

U.S. Export Control Compliance Status:

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls and must either be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise be eligible for deemed export licensing. This includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, and asylees and refugees with such status granted.