Vast develops commercial space stations to support sustained human activity, research, and manufacturing in low-Earth orbit and beyond.
<div class="content-intro"><p>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.</p></div><p>Vast is looking for a <strong>Staff</strong> <strong>Environmental Test Engineer</strong> reporting to the<strong> Senior Manager of Environmental Test, </strong>to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. As an Environmental Test Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the development and manufacturing of advanced avionics systems for our portfolio of space products, including liquid rocket engines and a commercial space station. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams of design/test engineers and technicians to ensure the successful manufacturing, assembly, and integration of avionics components and wire harnesses, contributing to the overall success of the business.</p> <p>This will be a <strong>full-time</strong>, <strong>exempt</strong> position located in our <strong>Long Beach, CA </strong>location. </p> <p><strong>Responsibilities:</strong><strong> </strong></p> <ul> <li>Collaborate with design teams to provide input on the manufacturability and assembly processes of avionics components and wire harnesses</li> <li>Develop and optimize manufacturing processes and onboard equipment for avionics systems, considering factors such as efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness</li> <li>Create and maintain detailed manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, and work instructions to ensure consistent and accurate production of avionics systems </li> <li>Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges by conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions</li> <li>Work closely with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality avionics components, reviewing and approving supplier manufacturing processes</li> <li>Perform hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of avionics systems, ensuring compliance with engineering specifications and industry standards</li> <li>Participate in design reviews, providing valuable insights to improve the manufacturability and reliability of avionics components</li> <li>Collaborate with quality assurance teams to establish and maintain rigorous quality control processes for avionics manufacturing</li> <li>Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall product quality</li> <li>Stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in avionics manufacturing to drive innovation within the company</li> </ul> <p><strong>Minimum Qualifications:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field</li> <li>3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in the aerospace or avionics industry</li> </ul> <p><strong>Preferred Skills & Experience:</strong></p> <ul> <li>3+ years of experience in design and manufacturing of vibration test fixtures</li> <li>3+ years of experience in design and manufacturing of thermal heat sinks and thermal vacuum fixtures</li> <li>Understanding of SMC-S-016</li> <li>Strong understanding of avionics systems, electronics manufacturing processes, and assembly techniques</li> <li>Proficiency in CAD software (such as Siemens NX) for reviewing designs and creating manufacturing documentation</li> <li>Familiarity with industry standards and regulations relevant to avionics manufacturing, such as IPC standards</li> <li>Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to perform root cause analysis</li> <li>Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross- functional teams</li> <li>Hands-on experience with testing and troubleshooting avionics systems is desirable </li> <li>Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies is a plus</li> <li>Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work</li> </ul> <p><strong>Additional Requirements:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones</li> <li>Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted</li> </ul><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="title">Pay Range: California</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$160,000</span><span class="divider">—</span><span>$230,000 USD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><p style="line-height: 1;"><strong>COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS<br></strong><br>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 vacatio