Shift Lead, Space Simulation Technician

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and capital-efficient approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to support a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and supporting a growing space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to design, build, and operate its own spacecraft in orbit. Next, Haven-1 is targeted to become the world’s first commercial space station, with launch anticipated in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced two new offerings leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo: Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line; and Vast Lunar Systems, power, communications, and habitats for the Moon.

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 capable of manufacturing America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for Mars, dedicated modules for government partners, and other crewed systems designed to unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

Vast is looking for a Shift Lead, Space Simulation Technician, on our first and second shifts, reporting to the Supervisor, Environmental Testing to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space.

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

Shift:

• First shift hours: 6am - 2:30pm

• Second shift hours: 2pm - 10:30pm

Responsibilities:

• Organize, coordinate, prioritize, and communicate day-to-day development and manufacturing work assignments for a medium-size technician team

• Lead and demonstrate work and safety culture

• Review test plans, requirements, SOWs, fixture design, etc

• Train and onboard new team members

• Support team members in daily tasks

• Setup and test flight hardware for the following environments:

• Vibration Testing

• Shock Testing

• Thermal Vacuum Testing

• Thermal Cycle

• Operate, troubleshoot, repair, maintain test lab equipment

• Support development, acceptance, qualification, and investigative test campaigns via Jira and Manufacturo

• Maintain laboratory and workshop, including cleanliness, stocking of consumables, tool control, and supporting design and build infrastructure to support above activities

• Read and interpret technical drawings and work instructions in support of above activities

Minimum Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience performing vibration and or thermal vacuum testing

• High School Diploma or equivalency certificate

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience in the aerospace, power and gas, military, or other high-reliability manufacturing industry

• Experience in the HVAC or industrial gas industry

• Experience with precision cleaning and assembly of precision-cleaned systems

• Experience working in a cleanroom environment

• Experience building, modifying, troubleshooting, maintaining, and operating high pressure equipment

• Experience building, modifying, troubleshooting, maintaining, and operating automation and control systems, including data acquisition systems, programmable logic controllers, etc

• Experience with hazardous systems - cryogenic, flammable, pyrophoric, hypergolic, or high voltage

• Demonstrated success in a role requiring quick thinking and problem solving

• Experience with forklifts, cranes, aerial platforms, and other industrial equipment

• Experience with JIRA project management software and Confluence

• Experience with relevant aerospace testing standards (SMC-S-016, MIL-STD-810G, GSFC-STD-7000B, etc.)

• Skilled in operation of machinery and hand tools

• Able to work effectively in a team environment

• Comfortable working in a rapidly changing, ambiguous environment balancing multiple projects with flexibility

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted

Pay Range: California $38.83—$55.13 USD

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.

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.