Assembly Test Specialist of Components and Subassemblies

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 May 2026. 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 seeking an Assembly Test Specialist of Components and Subassemblies that oversees the development and production process of flight components, subassemblies, and ground side systems. They coordinate with the development and production teams, ensure efficient production, and implement quality control measures. The incumbent will also collaborate with other departments to ensure that the production process aligns with Company goals and customer expectations. They develop strategies for continuous improvement and identify areas of inefficiency to optimize production. Additionally, the individual helps and oversee inventory management, logistics, and supply chain operations for their respective areas.

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

Responsibilities:

• Enthusiastic Assembly Test Specialist are accountable for coordinating and strategizing the Company’s goals through organization and forethought
• Competent Assembly Test must guarantee they follow all quality criteria. This aids in making sure the final product meets the requirements of its intended audience by assuring high standards
• Senior Managers must be able to mitigate any threats that may arise during assembly processes
• Senior Managers oversee the activities of the entire team and lead by example. They establish goals, communicate them to team members, & assess their progress toward them
• The incumbent must update upper-level stakeholders on progress. This aids in making sure that all parties involved in the process comprehend what was done and why
• Implement formal design for manufacturing methodology, develop manufacturing strategies, and establish production site quality system requirements
• They must also manage production requirements, ensure safety and quality controls, and lead teams to achieve organizational change
• Flexibility is the key to success in this environment: flexibility to learn new skills, flexibility to work in a new and different business environment, and flexibility to work with others

Minimum Qualifications:

• 10+ years of hands-on experience with mechanical/structural/fluid/electrical systems
• 5+ years of experience performing electronic testing and inspection using portable measuring devices

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Associate degree, especially in a technical field
• Experience in research and development or another fast-paced technical environment
• Ability to solve complex problems with minimal supervision on tight schedules
• Proven ability to rapidly change roles, responsibilities, and learn new skills while working in a high-paced and challenging work environment
• Experience with component and system level troubleshooting skills and the ability to logically solve instrumentation system problems and determine corrective action
• Experience with evaluation and testing of propulsion, thermal, electrical and/or structural systems
• Experience with thermal vacuum, vibration and shock test equipment
• Basic understanding of mechanical GD&T requirements and/or electrical schematics
• Experience with electrical tools (oscilloscopes, multimeters, soldering irons, crimpers, strippers, etc.)
• Familiarity with harness build and termination techniques for use in extreme environments
• Experience building and activating data and control systems
• Experience with analog and digital instrumentation (load cells, pressure transducers, strain gauges, RTDs, TCs, encoders, deflection gages, LVDTs, accelerometers, IMUs)
• Knowledge/experience with high voltage systems (AC and DC)
• Comfortable and familiar with operating fabrication equipment (mill, lathe, drill press)
• Experience handling cryogenic fluids, Gaseous Oxygen and Nitrogen Systems
• Experience with test operations procedures including hydraulic load control, hydro/pneumatic pressure control, writing or modifying automation, and configuration software systems and safe handling of flight parts
• Proficient with standard computer software (Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook) and some experience with CAD software (NX, TeamCenter) and programming (Python, C++)

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted

Pay Range:

• Assembly Test Specialist I of Components and Subassemblies: $40.00 - $55.00

Salary Range: California$40—$55 USDCOMPENSATION 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.