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 second shift NDE Level II, RT Level II, reporting to the Supervisor, NDE, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. Use this space to describe the role and sell the candidate on the cool stuff they would get to work on.
This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities:
- Perform radiographic testing (RT) on components, assemblies, and materials to identify and evaluate defects.
- Interpret and evaluate radiographic images in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and procedures.
- Set up, calibrate, and operate radiographic equipment, ensuring safe and effective operation.
- Prepare detailed inspection reports and maintain accurate records of findings.
- Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to address nonconformities and propose solutions.
- Follow and enforce all safety guidelines, including radiation safety protocols.
- Assist in developing and maintaining NDE procedures and processes.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and customer requirements.
- Provide training and guidance to junior technicians as needed.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certification or associate degree preferred.
- Current NDE Level II certification in Radiographic Testing (RT) in accordance with ASNT, NAS410, or equivalent standards.
- Radiation safety certification is required.
- Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on experience in non-film RT within aerospace, manufacturing, or a related industry.
- Experience interpreting complex radiographic images and working with advanced materials is a plus.
- Strong understanding of NDE principles, methods, and standards (e.g., ASTM, ASME).
- Proficiency in the use of radiographic testing equipment and software.
- Exceptional attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
- Familiarity with other NDE methods (e.g., UT, PT, MT) is advantageous.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Additional nondestructive evaluation Level II certifications in line with ASNT TC-1A, NAS-410, or DOD guidance in one of the following methods: Eddy current (ET), radiography (RT), digital radiography (DR), dye penetrant (PT), visual inspection (VT), computed radiography (CR), ultrasonic (UT), ultrasonic shear wave (UTSW), or magnetic particle (MT)
- Operational experience using one of the listed NDE methods for the inspection of weldments
- 2+ years of experience as a level II nondestructive evaluation/testing inspector
- Experience performing NDE testing within the aerospace industry
- American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft applications including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.
- Experience inspecting advanced materials such as high strength aluminum alloys, precipitation hardened steels, inconel, monel, titanium, and maraging steel (super alloys)
- Knowledge of NASA 5009 standards
- Knowledge of AMS, AWS/ASME, ASTM, standards
- Experience with problem solving tools and techniques including: practical problem solving (PPS), and eight disciplines (8D)
- Basic understanding of Lean principles: 5S, Kaizen, continuous improvement initiative
Additional Requirements:
- Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
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
Skills Required
- Current NDE Level II certification in Radiographic Testing (RT)
- Radiation safety certification
- Minimum 3-5 years of hands-on experience in non-film RT
Vast Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Vast and has not been reviewed or approved by Vast.
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials describe comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents from day one, alongside primary care and mental‑health programs. These provisions are repeatedly emphasized as a core part of the total rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Information highlights generous PTO with an annual cash‑out option, paid parental leave, sick time, and company holidays, with flexible PTO for exempt staff. These features indicate broad time‑off support across multiple needs.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Onsite meals and snacks, fitness memberships or stipends, and wellness resources (e.g., One Medical and Spring Health) are prominently offered. Such perks appear designed to enhance daily work experience and overall wellbeing.
Vast Insights
What We Do
Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure 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 in 2026, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. With more than 1,000 employees at its Long Beach, California headquarters and over a billion dollars in private capital invested, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.
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