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 2026. It is part of our stepping stone approach to continuous human presence in LEO. 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 Test Technician, reporting to the Supervisor, Structures Test, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.
This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
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 operation.
- 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:
- 3+ 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 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 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 25lbs unassisted.
Pay Range:
- Test Technician II: $29.86 - $36.49
- Test Technician III: $33.75 - $41.25
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
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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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