Test Engineer II, Thermal Control Systems

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 looking for a Test Engineer II, Thermal Control Systems, reporting to the Manager, Thermal Test Engineering, to support the development of systems required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

At the heart of our artificial-gravity commercial space station program, the Thermal Test Engineering team takes full ownership of testing the hardware that keeps our Thermal Control Systems performing flawlessly. In this pivotal role, you’ll work cross-functionally to drive high-impact projects that are vital to the success of major test campaigns.

You’ll design and execute rigorous tests for components essential to the safety of future astronauts and passengers — and to the overall success of our mission. Your work will directly safeguard lives and enable humanity’s next giant leap in sustainable space habitation.

Responsibilities:

• Own and drive the full lifecycle of assigned test campaigns for thermal systems and mission-critical components, leading strategic test initiatives that shape both near-term and long-term space habitat missions

• Lead cross-functional test initiative and scoped projects from concept to execution, delivering everything from targeted case studies and analytical assessments to the design, build, and instrumentation of complex, high-fidelity test environments

• Tackle the hardest technical challenges, performing deep root-cause investigations and coordinating with technicians, engineers, and leadership to implement robust, long-lasting corrective actions

• Establish and enforce rigorous test traceability, documenting every phase of design, planning, execution, and post-processed data to ensure alignment with subsystem performance and program level requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline

• Strong foundation in fluid systems — including fluid mechanics and design, relevant test standards and best practices, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), test instrumentation and fittings, safety protocols, and troubleshooting methodologies

• Demonstrated experience owning and executing complex test campaigns, from defining objectives and Conop development through GSE design, build, instrumentation and on to operator training, test execution and data analysis

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional engineering projects, coordinating diverse stakeholders spearheading consensus building and project managing initiatives to successful, on-time completion

• A proactive, hands-on problem solver who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments and is comfortable operating autonomously to remove obstacles and deliver results

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information into clear, actionable insights for both engineering and non-technical audiences while also reconciling differing perspectives in a professional and pragmatic manner

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• 2+ years of proven success in rapidly designing, developing, and delivering highly reliable products

• 2+ years of hands-on expertise in building, testing, troubleshooting, and resolving fluid, mechanical, and electrical system issues

• Multidisciplinary capability — strong in a primary discipline (e.g., mechanical design, electronics, or controls) while possessing working knowledge across supporting fields, such as wiring, coding, CAD modeling, and machine drawing creation

• Experience with high pressure and LN2 test operations both as a test conductor and an operator.

• Understanding of common Data Analysis techniques sensor selection and signal diagnostics

• Knowledge of Data Acquisition hardware/design and harnessing design

• Familiarity with industry test standards (e.g., SMC-S-016, ASME B31.3) and the ability to apply them effectively in real-world test environments

• Understanding of the aerospace test lifecycle, including PDR, CDR, TRR, ATP, QTP, and other key program milestones

• Highly self-driven and organized, with outstanding written and verbal communication skills; able to prioritize, execute, and adapt under high-pressure conditions while continuously seeking improvement in all areas of work

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones

• Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted

Pay Range:

• Test Engineer II: $110,000 - $142,100

Salary Range: California
$110,000—$142,100 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.