Propulsion Test Engineer
Vast SpaceForge propulsion systems for Vast Space, a leader in developing next-generation space stations. As a Propulsion Test Engineer based in Mojave, you will operate high-pressure systems, manage hotfires of the E-2 LOX/Kerosene engine, and ensure safety protocols are met on the shop floor. Your expertise in testing and leading complex engine operations is critical for advancing Vast’s Haven Station program. This is where space exploration gets built.
View original listingAbout This Role
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 an Propulsion Test Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager, Engineering (E-2), 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, exempt position located in our Mojave location.
Responsibilities:
- Sit on console as Test Conductor and Test Director running hotfires of the E-2 LOX/Kerosene oxidizer-rich staged combustion engine.
- Plan and lead hazardous operations including work with high pressures and cryogenic fluids.
- Assist in driving engine development, qualification, and acceptance test campaigns to completion.
- Author and maintain test procedures, sequences, and configuration files for hazardous operations.
- Support Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs).
- Work side by side with the test stand technicians during fabrication of test stand hardware and integration of test articles.
- Work on projects to design and modify fluid and electrical systems on the engine test stands.
- Troubleshoot fluid, mechanical, electrical, and software related systems on the test stands.
- Implement continuous improvements to improve safety and test site productivity.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
- 2+ years of experience in the operation, design and development of fluid systems, or hardware testing.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Experience handling cryogenic fluids.
- Experience with NX and Teamcenter.
- Experience with Epsilon3.
- Experience with JIRA / Confluence.
- Experience with coding languages (Python, Matlab, Visual Basic).
- Experience building and testing high pressure fluid/gas systems.
- Experience reviewing data and taking corrective actions based on findings.
- Experience with common instrumentation and controls systems and sensors.
- Tube fitting & bending, familiar with common industry fittings systems.
- Read & interpret Plumbing and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, along with effective teamwork abilities.
- Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams.
- Ability and willingness to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment.
Additional Requirements:
- Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.
Pay Range:
- Eng I: $84,000 - $105,000
- Eng II: $105,000 - $140,000
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
Requirements
- This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Mojave location.
- Responsibilities:
- Sit on console as Test Conductor and Test Director running hotfires of the E-2 LOX/Kerosene oxidizer-rich staged combustion engine.
- Plan and lead hazardous operations including work with high pressures and cryogenic fluids.
- Assist in driving engine development, qualification, and acceptance test campaigns to completion.
- Author and maintain test procedures, sequences, and configuration files for hazardous operations.
- Support Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs).
- Work side by side with the test stand technicians during fabrication of test stand hardware and integration of test articles.
- Work on projects to design and modify fluid and electrical systems on the engine test stands.
- Troubleshoot fluid, mechanical, electrical, and software related systems on the test stands.
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