Test Specialist

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 Specialist reporting to the Supervisor, Structures Test, assisting in development, qualification, and acceptance testing for the Haven-1 components and structure. This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail and excellent people skills.

This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

• Assists engineering with projects and test campaigns with instrumentation and DAQ support

• Can setup and operate tests with engineering guidance

• Consistently brings improvements to engineering with a plan to implement them

• Setup structural and mechanisms tests for development, qualification, and acceptance test campaigns

• Prepare test set-ups that may involve crane operations and assist in lifting operations

• Work on problems of diverse or complex scope with minimal to no guidance

• Make independent decisions and take action within established practices and procedures.

• Assist in updating test procedures and provide feedback to improve robustness/automation/duration

• Troubleshoots DAQ and/or test setup issues and implements solutions

• Assist engineering with test fixture design and implement best practices for DFM/T (Design for Manufacturability/Test)

• Review test requirements, RFQs (Request for Quote), SOWs (Statement of Work), etc. as it relates to testing and test equipment

• Knowledge of running data logging and data processing

• Has extensive knowledge of a variety of instrumentation (to include load cells, pressure transducers, strain gages, thermocouples, deflection transducers) and can recommend what should be used during testing to fulfil requirements.

• Can independently create and execute tasks/projects autonomously

• Can find issues and implement solutions before they happen

• Assists with training and mentoring less experienced team members

• Can lead a group of 2 or more test technicians to complete a task or project

• Has prior experience in a specific testing field and electrical experience combined (3+years)

• HS Diploma or equivalency