Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station 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. 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 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.
Headquartered in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.
Vast is looking for a Quality Inspection Specialist, reporting to the E-2 Principal Engineer, to create the world's highest performing engine for small launchers, while optimizing for production and low cost. In this role, you will join a team with exciting momentum that has produced and successfully tested fully integrated engine development samples. You will be a key member who will help transition the system from development to production.
This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Hawthorne location.
Responsibilities:
- Hands on dimensional inspection skills using mechanical tools.
- Define and execute quality methodologies to support full product traceability.
- Collaborate with responsible engineers, manufacturing engineers and technicians to review designs and drawings
- Assess, define, improve and communicate inhouse inspection capabilities
- Identify and track manufacturing non-conformities and proactively work with manufacturing and engineering to address them
- Develop, approve and execute process inspection controls to regulate acceptance of critical characteristics.
- Use expertise to contribute to the prevention of defects and non-conformities, ultimately reducing the likelihood of recalls and/or customer complaints.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing quality data, identifying trends, and implementing corrective and preventive actions to enhance the overall quality of our products and reduce costs.
- Recommend technical product improvements to reduce risk and potential defect opportunities and provide feedback as appropriate on manufacturing methods and technologies.
Minimum Qualifications:
- 5+ years experience with demand fast paced companies working on quality, manufacturing or responsible engineer roles.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Knowledge and experience in GD&T, Tooling, AS9100, AS9102.
- Proficient in Blueprint Reading and First Article Inspection (FAI) and interpretation of Engineering Process Specifications.
- Certified Black / Green belt lean and Six-Sigma quality engineering methodologies.
- Experience with Quality Management Systems (ISO 9000 / AS9100 / AS6500 / NADCAP).
- Experience in statistical controls and methods (e.g. MSA, GR&R, Design of Experiments, Six Sigma, etc.).
- Ability to thrive in a fast paced environment.
- Effective written, verbal and presentation communication skills
- Experience with NDT.
Pay Range:
- Quality Inspection Specialist I: $41.00 - $59.00
- Quality Inspection Specialist II: $45.00 - $62.00
We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.
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: 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.
Skills Required
- 5+ years of experience in quality, manufacturing, or responsible engineering roles at fast-paced companies
- Knowledge and experience with GD&T, tooling, AS9100, and AS9102
- Proficiency in blueprint reading, First Article Inspection, and engineering process specifications
- Certified Lean and Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt experience
- Experience with Quality Management Systems, including ISO 9000, AS9100, AS6500, or NADCAP
- Experience with statistical controls and methods, including MSA, GR&R, Design of Experiments, or Six Sigma
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
- Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
- Experience with non-destructive testing (NDT)
What the Team is Saying
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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