Test Instrumentation Engineer
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 Instrumentation Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager, Engineering (E-2), to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design, build, and test of the E-2 LOX/Kerosene oxidizer-rich staged combustion engine.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located at our Mojave Test Site location.
Responsibilities:
- This role encompasses two core responsibilities: serving as a console operator during hazardous operations and owning the instrumentation, EGSE, and DAQ systems on the test stand.
- Serve as Test Conductor and Test Director during static fire testing of the E-2 engine, ensuring safe and disciplined execution of test operations.
- Plan, coordinate, and lead hazardous operations involving high-pressure systems, cryogenic fluids, and rocket propulsion hardware.
- Maintain and oversee test stand instrumentation and control systems across rocket engine and component test facilities.
- Develop, update, and maintain electrical schematics for test stand instrumentation and control systems.
- Manage instrumentation calibration records, ensuring traceability, accuracy, and compliance with required standards.
- Oversee calibration equipment inventory, usage, and maintenance, including coordination of recalibration activities.
- Collaborate with skilled technicians to design, build, test, maintain, and troubleshoot Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE).
- Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, mechanical, and software-related issues on test stands to ensure operational readiness.
- Identify and implement continuous improvements to enhance safety, reliability, and operational efficiency at the test site.
- Support and participate in Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), including verification of test objectives, procedures, and safety requirements.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
- 2+ years of experience working with instrumentation and control systems in an operational, design, or development capacity, preferably in test stand or industrial environments.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Experience with industrial sensors and instrumentation, including strain gauges, IEPE accelerometers, thermocouples (TCs), RTDs, and 4–20 mA current loop systems.
- Ability to read, interpret, and work from technical documentation, including wiring diagrams, sensor datasheets, equipment manuals, and system schematics.
- Ability to read and interpret plumbing and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
- Experience with National Instruments (NI) hardware and LabVIEW-based data acquisition and control systems.
- Proficiency in programming and scripting languages such as Python, MATLAB, C/C++, SQL, and Git for version control.
- Experience working with high-pressure fluid and gas systems, including safe operation, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
- Ability to analyze operational or test data and implement corrective actions based on findings.
- Experience with Siemens NX and Teamcenter.
- Familiarity with Jira and Confluence for workflow tracking and technical documentation.
- Strong attention to detail with a high level of accountability and ownership of work.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively in team environments.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with rapidly changing priorities.
Additional Requirements:
- Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
- Flexibility required as hours can vary depending on operational needs.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted and work in an outdoor, physically demanding test environment (from freezing conditions to temps up to 120 degrees fahrenheit)
Pay Range:
- Test Instrumentation Engineer I: $86,000 - $120,000
- Test Instrumentation Engineer II: $110,000 - $155,000
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.