At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in August 2025. 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 Senior Controls, Automation, and Data Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager of Station Testing, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.
The Haven team is dedicated to transforming space access for humanity, aiming to pave the way for new frontiers in the cosmos and ultimately fostering a multi-planetary existence. Our team takes pride in crafting cutting-edge systems that support the design and building of Space Stations. We push the boundaries of space technology with an unprecedented cost and pace. Join our dynamic and top-tier testing team, collaborate with brilliant and driven engineers, and together, we will accomplish remarkable feats. If you crave challenges and dream of contributing to our civilization's multi-planetary future, then look no further – this is the perfect place for you!
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities:
- Design, develop, and implement control systems for testing unique space rated hardware
- Own both the hardware and software behind Data Acquisition, PLC programming, and automation processes at Vast
- Follow data from ingest to post-processing leading to data driven decisions
- Collaborate with software, mechanical, thermal, manufacturing, and production test teams
- Troubleshoot and debug control systems to resolve issues and ensure optimal performance
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or other engineering discipline
- 2+ years of applied experience with programming logic (State machines, control loops, communication protocols)
- Working knowledge of supporting engineering skills (Wire Harnessing, electrical diagrams, signal processing)
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Understanding of various programming languages (Python, C/C++, ladder logic)
- Execution experience of the processes behind spaceflight testing (ATP/QTP)
- 4+ years of professional experience rapidly designing highly reliable products
- 4+ years of professional experience testing, troubleshooting and debugging mechanical and electrical issues
- Hands-on skills (Wiring, Machining, Soldering, Fabricating)
Additional Requirements:
- Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
- Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted
Salary Range: California
$135,000—$170,000 USD
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: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 15 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, free catered meals and snacks and beverages, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.
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.
Top Skills
What We Do
Vast is developing artificial gravity space stations to expand humanity across the solar system.
Vast’s mission is to enable large populations of humans to live and work in space, permanently.
Our solar system has the resources and room for humanity to thrive and expand without destroying Earth’s biosphere. Unlocking these resources requires in-space infrastructure and industry at an unprecedented scale.
We are building a world-class team to engineer the human experience in space.
Why Work With Us
We're developing artificial gravity space stations to expand humanity across the solar system in order to enable large populations to live and work in space. Not only is what we're working on groundbreaking, but the team prides itself on living by our values of respect, curiosity, action, and excellence making it a lot more fun to achieve our goal.
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