Machine Shop 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 Machine Shop Technician II, reporting to the Supervisor, CNC Machinist, 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/non-exempt) position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with shop duties as required daily to support seamless operations

• Assist with cutting materials and moving across multiple cells

• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety standards in the shop

• Perform routine maintenance, inspections, and repairs on various shop equipment, including CNC, to ensure optimal operation, uptime, and safety compliance

• Use various mechanical tools and equipment confidently and independently, without instruction

• Operate and maintain forklifts, and other shop vehicles or mobile equipment safely and in compliance with training and certification requirements

• Monitor, manage, and source inventory levels for tools, parts, and general shop supplies to prevent shortages and reduce downtime

• Identify opportunities to improve shop processes and workflows, and implement solutions aligned with lean manufacturing, 5S, and other continuous improvement principles

• Operate and maintain Maintenance Management Systems (MMS), ensuring all work orders, preventive maintenance schedules, and equipment histories are accurately logged and up to date

• Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure an efficient and effective work environment

Minimum Qualifications:

• 1+ years experience in maintenance, hardware assembly and/or testing in a manufacturing or aerospace environment

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate

• Experience in the aerospace industry, aviation, military or other high-reliability operating environments

• Skill in operating and manipulating machinery and various hand and power tools requiring manual dexterity

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment

• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment

• Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) with engineering and production

• Experience with forklifts, cranes and heavy equipment

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones

• Ability to stand for extended periods, up to 8 hours

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted

Pay Range: California
$23—$34 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.