Test Engineer II, Thermal Control Systems
Vast SpaceForge robust thermal control systems at Vast Space in Long Beach, where you'll operate high-torque specifications on 6-axis robotic arms, inspect precise tolerances on circuit boards, and test load-bearing structures. As a Test Engineer II, you’ll assemble and validate critical components for artificial-gravity space stations, ensuring they meet rigorous performance standards. This is where cutting-edge thermal control gets built.
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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 Test Engineer II, Thermal Control Systems, reporting to the Manager, Thermal Test Engineering, to support the development of systems required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
At the heart of our artificial-gravity commercial space station program, the Thermal Test Engineering team takes full ownership of testing the hardware that keeps our Thermal Control Systems performing flawlessly. In this pivotal role, you’ll work cross-functionally to drive high-impact projects that are vital to the success of major test campaigns.
You’ll design and execute rigorous tests for components essential to the safety of future astronauts and passengers — and to the overall success of our mission. Your work will directly safeguard lives and enable humanity’s next giant leap in sustainable space habitation.
Responsibilities:
- Own and drive the full lifecycle of assigned test campaigns for thermal systems and mission-critical components, leading strategic test initiatives that shape both near-term and long-term space habitat missions
- Lead cross-functional test initiative and scoped projects from concept to execution, delivering everything from targeted case studies and analytical assessments to the design, build, and instrumentation of complex, high-fidelity test environments
- Tackle the hardest technical challenges, performing deep root-cause investigations and coordinating with technicians, engineers, and leadership to implement robust, long-lasting corrective actions
- Establish and enforce rigorous test traceability, documenting every phase of design, planning, execution, and post-processed data to ensure alignment with subsystem performance and program level requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
- Strong foundation in fluid systems — including fluid mechanics and design, relevant test standards and best practices, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), test instrumentation and fittings, safety protocols, and troubleshooting methodologies
- Demonstrated experience owning and executing complex test campaigns, from defining objectives and Conop development through GSE design, build, instrumentation and on to operator training, test execution and data analysis
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional engineering projects, coordinating diverse stakeholders spearheading consensus building and project managing initiatives to successful, on-time completion
- A proactive, hands-on problem solver who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments and is comfortable operating autonomously to remove obstacles and deliver results
- Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information into clear, actionable insights for both engineering and non-technical audiences while also reconciling differing perspectives in a professional and pragmatic manner
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- 2+ years of proven success in rapidly designing, developing, and delivering highly reliable products
- 2+ years of hands-on expertise in building, testing, troubleshooting, and resolving fluid, mechanical, and electrical system issues
- Multidisciplinary capability — strong in a primary discipline (e.g., mechanical design, electronics, or controls) while possessing working knowledge across supporting fields, such as wiring, coding, CAD modeling, and machine drawing creation
- Experience with high pressure and LN2 test operations both as a test conductor and an operator.
- Understanding of common Data Analysis techniques sensor selection and signal diagnostics
- Knowledge of Data Acquisition hardware/design and harnessing design
- Familiarity with industry test standards (e.g., SMC-S-016, ASME B31.3) and the ability to apply them effectively in real-world test environments
- Understanding of the aerospace test lifecycle, including PDR, CDR, TRR, ATP, QTP, and other key program milestones
- Highly self-driven and organized, with outstanding written and verbal communication skills; able to prioritize, execute, and adapt under high-pressure conditions while continuously seeking improvement in all areas of work
Additional Requirements:
- Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
- Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted
Pay Range:
- Test Engineer II: $110,000 - $142,100
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 Long Beach location.
- At the heart of our artificial-gravity commercial space station program, the Thermal Test Engineering team takes full ownership of testing the hardware that keeps our Thermal Control Systems performing flawlessly. In this pivotal role, you’ll work cross-functionally to drive high-impact projects that are vital to the success of major test campaigns.
- You’ll design and execute rigorous tests for components essential to the safety of future astronauts and passengers — and to the overall success of our mission. Your work will directly safeguard lives and enable humanity’s next giant leap in sustainable space habitation.
- Responsibilities:
- Own and drive the full lifecycle of assigned test campaigns for thermal systems and mission-critical components, leading strategic test initiatives that shape both near-term and long-term space habitat missions
- Lead cross-functional test initiative and scoped projects from concept to execution, delivering everything from targeted case studies and analytical assessments to the design, build, and instrumentation of complex, high-fidelity test environments
- Tackle the hardest technical challenges, performing deep root-cause investigations and coordinating with technicians, engineers, and leadership to implement robust, long-lasting corrective actions
- Establish and enforce rigorous test traceability, documenting every phase of design, planning, execution, and post-processed data to ensure alignment with subsystem performance and program level requirements
- Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
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