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 Test Technician (Second Shift), reporting to the Supervisor, Structures Test, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space stations.
This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Long Beach location. This will be a Second Shift Position (2pm to 10pm)
Responsibilities:
- Conduct hypervelocity impact tests using light gas gun and ballistic test equipment according to approved test plans and safety procedures
- Set up, calibrate, and operate high-speed cameras, pressure sensors, vacuum systems, and other diagnostic equipment for test operations
- Prepare test specimens, projectiles, sabots, and shielding configurations to precise specifications
- Perform post-test inspections and damage assessments, documenting results through photography, measurements, and detailed written reports
- Perform risk assessments, hazard analyses (JHAs/JHAs), and pre-task briefings prior to each test run
- Maintain and perform routine preventative maintenance on light gas guns, vacuum chambers, and associated test range equipment
- Execute all testing operations in strict compliance with range safety protocols, including pre-test safety checks following approved lockout/tagout procedures
- Operate data acquisition systems and process test data for engineering analysis
- Maintain accurate test logs, equipment maintenance records, and inventory of test materials and consumables
- Support test planning activities by providing technical input on equipment capabilities, test setup requirements, and schedule feasibility
- Collaborate with engineers and other technicians to troubleshoot equipment issues and improve test procedures
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe test facilities in accordance with 5S principles
Minimum Qualifications:
- 1+ years of hands-on technical experience in testing, laboratory, manufacturing, or related field
- High school Diploma or equivalency certificate
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Experience with ballistic testing, hypervelocity impact testing, or materials testing operation
- Familiarity with high-speed imaging systems and data acquisition software
- Knowledge of vacuum systems, pressure vessels, or pneumatic/hydraulic equipment
- Experience in aerospace, defense, or research laboratory environments
- Understanding of impact physics, ballistics, or materials science fundamentals
- Proficiency with CAD software (NX, SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for fixture design and test setup documentation
- Strong attention to detail with excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional team
- Logical problem-solving approach with ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical systems
- Self-motivated with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced development environment
- Demonstrated experience operating precision measurement instruments and mechanical test equipment
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and written procedures
Additional Requirements:
- Occasional ability to travel
- Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted
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
- At least 1 year of hands-on technical experience in testing, laboratory, manufacturing, or a related field
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- Ability to work occasional travel
- Willingness to work overtime or weekends for critical mission milestones
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted
- Experience with ballistic testing, hypervelocity impact testing, or materials testing operations
- Familiarity with high-speed imaging systems and data acquisition software
- Knowledge of vacuum systems, pressure vessels, or pneumatic/hydraulic equipment
- Experience in aerospace, defense, or research laboratory environments
- Understanding of impact physics, ballistics, or materials science fundamentals
- Proficiency with NX, SolidWorks, or AutoCAD for fixture design and test documentation
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation
- Ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical systems
- Experience operating precision measurement instruments and mechanical test equipment
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and written procedures
- U.S. person status or eligibility for deemed export licensing under U.S. export-control requirements
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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