Senior Test Technician

<div class="content-intro"><p>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.</p></div><p>Vast is looking for a(n) <strong>Senior Test Technician</strong>, reporting to the <strong>Supervisor, Structures Test</strong>, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space stations. </p> <p>This will be a <strong>full-time</strong>, <strong>non-exempt</strong> position located in our <strong>Long Beach</strong> location. </p> <p><strong>Responsibilities: </strong></p> <ul> <li>Conduct hypervelocity impact tests using light gas gun and ballistic test equipment according to approved test plans and safety procedures</li> <li>Set up, calibrate, and operate high-speed cameras, pressure sensors, vacuum systems, and other diagnostic equipment for test operations</li> <li>Prepare test specimens, projectiles, sabots, and shielding configurations to precise specifications</li> <li>Perform post-test inspections and damage assessments, documenting results through photography, measurements, and detailed written reports</li> <li>Perform risk assessments, hazard analyses (JHAs/JHAs), and pre-task briefings prior to each test run</li> <li> Maintain and perform routine preventative maintenance on light gas guns, vacuum chambers, and associated test range equipment</li> <li>Execute all testing operations in strict compliance with range safety protocols, including pre-test safety checks following approved lockout/tagout procedures</li> <li>Operate data acquisition systems and process test data for engineering analysis</li> <li>Maintain accurate test logs, equipment maintenance records, and inventory of test materials and consumables</li> <li>Support test planning activities by providing technical input on equipment capabilities, test setup requirements, and schedule feasibility</li> <li>Collaborate with engineers and other technicians to troubleshoot equipment issues and improve test procedures</li> <li>Maintain clean, organized, and safe test facilities in accordance with 5S principles</li> </ul> <p><strong>Minimum Qualifications:</strong></p> <ul> <li>3+ years of hands-on technical experience in testing, laboratory, manufacturing, or related field</li> <li>High school Diploma or equivalency certificate</li> </ul> <p><strong>Preferred Skills &amp; Experience:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Experience with ballistic testing, hypervelocity impact testing, or materials testing operation</li> <li>Familiarity with high-speed imaging systems and data acquisition software</li> <li>Knowledge of vacuum systems, pressure vessels, or pneumatic/hydraulic equipment</li> <li>Experience in aerospace, defense, or research laboratory environments</li> <li>Understanding of impact physics, ballistics, or materials science fundamentals</li> <li>Proficiency with CAD software (NX, SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for fixture design and test setup documentation</li> <li>Strong attention to detail with excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation</li> <li>Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional team</li> <li>Logical problem-solving approach with ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical systems</li> <li>Self-motivated with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced development environment</li> <li>Demonstrated experience operating precision measurement instruments and mechanical test equipment</li> <li>Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and written procedures</li> </ul> <p><strong>Additional Requirements:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Occasional ability to travel</li> <li>Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones</li> <li>Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted</li> </ul><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="title">Pay Range: California</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$40</span><span class="divider">&mdash;</span><span>$57 USD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><div style="line-height: 1;"> </div> <div style="line-height: 1;"><strong>COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS</strong></div> <div style="line-height: 1;"> </div> <div style="line-height: 1;"> <div> <div data-qa="message_pane"> <div> <div id="message-list"> <div id="message-list"> <div data-qa="slack_kit_scrollbar"> <div> <div data-qa="slack_kit_list"> <div id="message-list_1770163429.476589" data-qa="virtual-list-item" data-item-key="1770163429.476589"> <div data-qa="message_container" data-qa-unprocessed="false" data-qa-placeholder="false" data-msg-ts="1770163429.476589" data-msg-channel-id="D1T52LDR4"> <div data-qa-hover="true"> <div> <div> <div> <div data-qa="message_content"> <div> <div data-qa="message-text"> <div data-qa="block-kit-renderer"> <div> <div> <div>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 &amp; 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.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="message-list_bottomSpacer" data-qa="virtual-list-item" data-item-key="bottomSpacer"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div style="line-height: 1;"> <p><strong>U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS</strong></p> 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 <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-120.62">22 C.F.R. § 120.62</a> 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.</div> <div style="line-height: 1;"> </div> <p style="line-height: 1;"><strong>EQUAL OPPORTUNITY</strong></p> <div style="line-height: 1;">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.</div></div>