Propulsion Test Engineer

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station 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. 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 in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.

Headquartered inLong Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

Vast is looking for an Propulsion Test Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager, Engineering (E-2), 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 afull-time, exempt position located in our Mojave  location. 

Responsibilities: 

• Sit on console as Test Conductor and Test Director running hotfires of the E-2 LOX/Kerosene oxidizer-rich staged combustion engine. 
• Plan and lead hazardous operations including work with high pressures and cryogenic fluids.
• Assist in driving engine development, qualification, and acceptance test campaigns to completion.
• Author and maintain test procedures, sequences, and configuration files for hazardous operations.
• Support Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs). 
• Work side by side with the test stand technicians during fabrication of test stand hardware and integration of test articles.
• Work on projects to design and modify fluid and electrical systems on the engine test stands.
• Troubleshoot fluid, mechanical, electrical, and software related systems on the test stands.  
• Implement continuous improvements to improve safety and test site productivity.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of experience in the operation, design and development of fluid systems, or hardware testing.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience handling cryogenic fluids.
• Experience with NX and Teamcenter.
• Experience with Epsilon3.
• Experience with JIRA / Confluence.
• Experience with coding languages (Python, Matlab, Visual Basic).
• Experience building and testing high pressure fluid/gas systems.
• Experience reviewing data and taking corrective actions based on findings.
• Experience with common instrumentation and controls systems and sensors.
• Tube fitting & bending, familiar with common industry fittings systems.
• Read & interpret Plumbing and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, along with effective teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability and willingness to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted and work in an outdoor, physically demanding test environment (from freezing conditions to temps up to 120 degrees fahrenheit).

Pay Range: 

• Propulsion Test Engineer I: $86,000 - $120,000
• Propulsion Test Engineer II: $110,000 - $155,000

Pay Range: California

$86,000—$155,000 USD

We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.

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: 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.