Senior Test Engineer, Thermal Control Systems

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 Test Engineer, Thermal Control Systems, reporting to the Manager, Thermal Test Engineering, 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, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities:

• Own and drive the full lifecycle of assigned thermal control system test campaigns of moderate complexity — from CONOP and test plan development through GSE design, build, instrumentation, execution, data analysis, and closeout — supporting near-term and long-term space habitat missions

• Perform hands-on assembly, integration, instrumentation, and testing of thermal and fluid systems (tubing, heat exchangers, cold plates, pumps, valves, heaters, MLI), ensuring compliance with engineering specifications, safety protocols, and industry standards

• Develop and maintain detailed test plans, procedures, work instructions, and manufacturing plans, and uphold rigorous test traceability across design, planning, execution, and post-processed data to ensure alignment with subsystem requirements and program milestones

• Collaborate cross-functionally with thermal design, analysis, systems, integration, and manufacturing teams — and support suppliers — to inform manufacturability, assembly, and testability of thermal hardware and ensure timely delivery of quality components

• Investigate and resolve complex technical issues through root cause analysis, coordinating with technicians, engineers, and suppliers to implement lasting corrective actions

• Provide technical input in design and test reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.) and contribute to continuous improvement efforts that boost test efficiency, manufacturing yield, and data quality

• Serve as a reliable technical contributor and informal mentor to junior engineers, while helping shape best practices and standardization within the test engineering team

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, with 5+ years of experience across thermal systems, fluid systems, manufacturing engineering, and/or test engineering in aerospace or similarly demanding environments

• Strong foundation in fluid systems — including fluid mechanics, system design, P&IDs, test instrumentation and fittings, safety protocols, and troubleshooting methodologies — along with hands-on experience testing and troubleshooting fluid, mechanical, and electromechanical components and performing root-cause analysis of failures

• Demonstrated experience owning and executing test campaigns end-to-end, from objective definition and CONOP development through GSE design, build, instrumentation, test execution, and data analysis, including contributing to test automation and data review tools

• Proficiency in CAD software (such as Siemens NX) for reviewing designs and creating manufacturing and test documentation, and a proven ability to contribute to cross-functional engineering initiatives and drive projects to on-time completion in fast-paced environments

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Hands-on experience with supercritical fluid systems, high-pressure and LN2 test operations (including serving as test conductor), and thermal control hardware manufacturing/assembly processes (fluid tubing, heat exchangers, cold plates, MLI), with the ability to identify manufacturability risks

• Working GD&T proficiency for reviewing engineering drawings and ensuring design intent translates correctly into manufactured hardware, plus experience with paints, coatings, adhesives, and contamination-sensitive processes in an aerospace environment

• Familiarity with aerospace test standards and codes (e.g., SMC-S-016, ASME B31.3) and the aerospace test lifecycle (PDR, CDR, TRR, ATP, QTP), with the ability to interpret and apply requirements in real-world test environments

• Working knowledge of data acquisition systems, sensor selection, signal diagnostics, and data analysis techniques, with solid depth in a primary discipline and working knowledge across controls, electronics, wiring, and instrumentation

Pay Range: California $137,760—$195,552 USD

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.