Shift Lead, Space Simulation Technician

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 Shift Lead, Space Simulation Technician, reporting to the Supervisor, Environmental Testing, 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.

Shift:

• First shift hours: 6am - 2:30pm PST

Responsibilities:

• Organize, coordinate, prioritize, and communicate day-to-day development and manufacturing work assignments for a medium-size technician team.

• Lead and demonstrate work and safety culture.

• Review test plans, requirements, SOWs, fixture design, etc.

• Train and onboard new team members.

• Support team members in daily tasks.

• Setup and test flight hardware for the following environments:

• Operate, troubleshoot, repair, maintain test lab equipment.

• Support development, acceptance, qualification, and investigative test campaigns via Jira and Manufacturo.

• Maintain laboratory and workshop, including cleanliness, stocking of consumables, tool control, and supporting design and build infrastructure to support above activities.

• Read and interpret technical drawings and work instructions in support of above activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience performing vibration and or thermal vacuum testing.

• High School Diploma or equivalency certificate.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience in the aerospace, power and gas, military, or other high-reliability manufacturing industry.

• Experience in the HVAC or industrial gas industry.

• Experience with precision cleaning and assembly of precision-cleaned systems.

• Experience working in a cleanroom environment.

• Experience building, modifying, troubleshooting, maintaining, and operating high pressure equipment.

• Experience building, modifying, troubleshooting, maintaining, and operating automation and control systems, including data acquisition systems, programmable logic controllers, etc.

• Experience with hazardous systems - cryogenic, flammable, pyrophoric, hypergolic, or high voltage.

• Demonstrated success in a role requiring quick thinking and problem solving.

• Experience with forklifts, cranes, aerial platforms, and other industrial equipment.

• Experience with JIRA project management software and Confluence.

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

• Skilled in operation of machinery and hand tools.

• Able to work effectively in a team environment.

• Comfortable working in a rapidly changing, ambiguous environment balancing multiple projects with flexibility.

Additional Requirements:

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

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.

Pay Range: California
$36—$50 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.