NDE Level III, Specialist

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low-Earth orbit in 2026. It is part of our stepping stone approach to continuous human presence in LEO. 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 currently seeking a Non-Destructive Evaluation PAUT Specialist, reporting to the Manager of NDE to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

The primary role of this position will be to support the development of systems necessary for the design and construction of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. The team is dedicated to delivering high-quality products through rigorous inspection of our flight components, assemblies, systems, and structures. As an NDE Level III Specialist, you will have the opportunity for extensive exposure, as the organization handles a wide range of NDT methodologies and inspections across our various space programs.

This is a full-time, exempt position, based at our Long Beach location.

Key Responsibilities:

As the Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) Level III, you will serve as both a technical leader and hands-on practitioner. You will be responsible for establishing and managing NDE capabilities while driving continuous improvement across inspection processes.

Program Leadership & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain NDE procedures and PAUT inspection techniques in accordance with ASNT SNT-TC-1A, NAS-410, and other relevant codes and customer specifications.

• Administer the company’s NDE program, including oversight of processes, procedures, personnel certification, and compliance with internal and external quality standards.

• Serve as the final authority on interpretation of NDE-related specifications and acceptability of test results.

• Conduct internal audits and ensure quality assurance compliance across all NDE functions.

• Interface with internal teams and external customers to clarify inspection requirements and resolve technical disputes.

Training, Certification & Team Support

• Develop, recommend, and lead training programs for Level I and Level II personnel in both classroom and shop floor settings.

• Mentor technicians on conventional UT, PAUT, VT, PT, MT, RT, and ET methods, emphasizing appropriate application and limitations of each.

• Oversee personnel qualification and certification per written practice.

• Ensure knowledge transfer of current methods and integration of emerging technologies.

Hands-On Inspection & Technical Execution

• Perform advanced inspections—including PAUT—as needed to support production, R&D, or urgent customer deliverables.

• Review and interpret engineering drawings and specifications to define inspection strategy and ensure manufacturing compliance.

• Evaluate and document inspection results; communicate findings clearly to Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams.

• Troubleshoot and correct technical issues in inspection methods or interpretation, ensuring effective process flow.

Process Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Research, recommend, and implement new inspection tools, automation, and data systems to improve throughput and reduce cost.

• Drive strategic improvements in inspection techniques, data analysis, and system integration to enable next-generation manufacturing processes.

• Continuously evaluate existing NDE processes to ensure optimal inspection strategies are in use and scalable for growth.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to align inspection capabilities with evolving product demands, ensuring appropriate methods are applied throughout the lifecycle.

Customer & Cross-Team Communication

• Act as the primary NDE liaison with customers, regulatory bodies, and vendors as needed.

• Participate in supplier visits and customer audits to support inspection deliverables and quality assurance.

• Provide regular updates on NDE project status, capability readiness, and program risks to stakeholders.

• Advise management on innovations and developments that impact cost, schedule, quality, or customer satisfaction.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.

• NDT level II certification inline with ASNT TC-1A/NAS-410 guidance in penetrant testing (PT).

• NDT level II certification inline with ASNT-TC-1A/NAS-410 guidance in eddy current testing (ET).

• NDT level II certification inline with ASNT-TC-1A/NAS-410 guidance in ultrasonic testing (UT), including phased array ultrasonic (PAUT).

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• 5+ years of experience as a NDT Level II Technician/Inspector.

• Knowledge of basic Standards such as; AS, AMS, AWS, NAS, ASME, ASTM.

• Knowledge of UTEX InspectionWare software or equivalent.

• Operational experience of utilizing PAUT systems for the inspection of weldments.

• Knowledge of Olympus Tomoview software.

• Hands on experience using portable digital equipment such as Olympus EPOCH 600.

• Knowledge of Uniwest/Nortec eddy current machines or equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

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

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.

Salary Range: California
$90,000—$130,000 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, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, 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, 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.