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 Senior integration Specialist, reporting to the Supervisor AM and Integration, E-2, 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.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as a technical authority for the assembly, integration, and testing of liquid rocket engine hardware and subsystems.
- Support rapid iteration and development testing, including configuration control, test turnaround, and readiness reviews.
- Lead and execute the most complex hands-on integrations of large and small, high-precision, and fragile assemblies.
- Define, validate, and enforce aerospace integration practices including safety wiring, helicoil installation, torque methodology, tube bending, flaring and hardware verification.
- Select, verify, and oversee the use of precision calibrated tools including torque wrenches, micrometers, and calipers.
- Interpret and apply engineering drawings, work instructions, specifications, bills of material, and P&IDs; identify discrepancies, drive resolution, and recommend design or process changes.
- Own the readiness, operation, and continuous improvement of the integration and test facilities.
- Lead subsystem test operations, including high-pressure operations, fluid fill/drain/handling, hazardous operations, and real-time sensor monitoring.
- Troubleshoot complex, cross-disciplinary issues across fluid, mechanical, and basic electrical systems; lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Author, review, and maintain build, test, maintenance, and safety documentation; ensure accuracy and adherence to standards.
- Identify, prioritize, and implement improvements to processes, tooling, and safety systems to increase reliability, throughput, and test site productivity.
- Mentor and technically develop technicians and specialists through cross-functional collaboration, formal training, and on-the-job coaching.
- Act as a primary interface between engineering, test operations, and the shop floor to ensure efficient execution and feedback loops.
- Uphold, evolve, and champion test processes, safety standards, and best practices across the organization.
- Oversee and ensure the safe operation of heavy equipment such as forklifts and overhead lifting equipment.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 15+ years of experience in production, mechanical, manufacturing, integration, or test environments.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Extensive experience in aerospace, aviation, military, or other high-reliability operating environments.
- Deep hands-on experience with propulsion system assembly, integration, and testing.
- Advanced tube fitting and bending expertise with common industry fitting systems.
- Demonstrated leadership of propulsion hardware integration and high-pressure or cryogenic test operations.
- Extensive experience with gaseous oxygen (GOx), liquid propellant, and cryogenic system operations and maintenance.
- Familiarity with configuration control, test readiness reviews, and hazard analyses.
Additional Requirements:
- Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
- Ability to lift up to 25lbs 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
- 15+ years of experience in production, mechanical, manufacturing, integration, or test environments
- High school diploma or equivalent
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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