Environmental & Thermal Controls Systems Technician II

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(n) TCS Technician, reporting to the Manager, Thermal Test Engineering, 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, non-exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities:

• Assemble, install, and test high-pressure fluid systems (including oxygen and refrigerants) and flight hardware.

• Operate test stands and execute procedures to validate pressure, temperature, flow, and leak integrity.

• Support in Thermal Vacuum, EMI, & Vibration testing

• Connect instrumentation, valves, and sensors per engineering schematics and activate systems validating health and functionality.

• Perform pneumatic, cryogenic, and hazardous fluid handling and testing demonstrating diligence and safety conscious practices.

• Read and interpret engineering drawings and detailed work instructions.

• Use precision tools such as torque wrenches, micrometers, and calipers, along with general mechanical tools independently.

• Use data acquisition systems to monitor and evaluate sensor readings.

• Identify, report, and assist in troubleshooting anomalies or test failures.

• Support/conduct test campaigns for development, qualification, acceptance, and investigations.

• Prepare and maintain clean, leak-free ground support fluid systems following industry standards.

• Support spacecraft operations including fueling and fluid line purging.

• Validate flight hardware prior to integration and launch.

• Perform routine maintenance and calibration of test equipment.

• Maintain cleanliness, consumables, tool control, and readiness of lab and workshop environments.

• Ensure safe, timely, and professional execution of all production tasks.

• Perform other related duties to support an efficient and effective work environment i.e. 5s, project updates, etc.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.

• 2+ years of experience in hardware assembly, test, and/or installation of fluid systems.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience in aerospace, aviation, military, power and gas, or other high-reliability operating environments.

• Hands-on experience assembling and testing thermal control systems, propulsion systems, or similar hardware.

• Skilled in precision cleaning and assembly of precision-cleaned systems, including ISO 7 & ISO 8 cleanroom work.

• Background working with Developmental flight hardware in fast-paced production environments.

• Proficient in the use of hand tools, power tools, and machinery requiring manual dexterity and attention to detail.

• Experience building, modifying, troubleshooting, maintaining, and operating high-pressure and hazardous systems (e.g., cryogenic, flammable, pyrophoric, hypergolic, or high voltage).

• Familiar with Electrical and fluid system schematics and able to identify and explain commonly used components.

• Experience with automation and control systems, including data acquisition systems and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

• Proficient in reading and interpreting technical drawings(GD&T), manuals, and engineering documentation.

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

• Skilled in operating forklifts, cranes, and other heavy equipment.

• Competent with precision measuring instruments (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges, sensors).

• Strong team player with effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Adaptable to rapidly shifting roles and responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.

• Experienced with JIRA, Confluence, and collaborative project managing digital tools.

• Proficient in MS Office and Google Workspace applications.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and/or weekends as needed.

• Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs. unassisted.

• Must be able to climb ladders and be comfortable working in tight spaces.

• Must be willing to travel when needed from weeks at a time to support vehicle testing and integration (Mojave, Ohio, Florida).

Pay Range:

• Technician II: $28.00 - $40.00

Pay Range: California
$28—$40 USD

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: 100% 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.