Vast Conference

Vast Conference

Staff Test Engineer, Thermal Control Systems

Long Beach, California, United States · Staff+ · Full-time

Sponsorship not specified$162k-$230kDetected 7 days ago
Data AnalysisSiemens NXGD&TMechanical DesignAerospace EngineeringControlsTest AutomationResearchLeadership

About the role

  • 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.
  • If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.
  • This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities

  • Lead definition of hardware/software best practices and standardization for the wider test engineering organization.
  • Own and drive the full lifecycle of assigned thermal control system test campaigns, from early concept development through execution, data analysis, and closeout, supporting both near-term and long-term space habitat missions.
  • Act as a go-to technical resource and mentor, helping develop talent while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and data integrity.
  • Collaborate closely with thermal design, analysis, systems, integration, and manufacturing teams to provide input on manufacturability, assembly, and testability of thermal hardware, including tubing, heat exchangers, cold plates, pumps, valves, heaters, and MLI.
  • Lead cross-functional test initiatives and scoped projects, delivering everything from analytical assessments and case studies to the design, build, and instrumentation of complex, high-fidelity test environments and ground support equipment (GSE).
  • Perform hands-on assembly, integration, instrumentation, and testing of thermal and fluid systems, ensuring compliance with engineering specifications, safety protocols, and industry standards.
  • Develop, document, and maintain detailed test plans, CONOPs, procedures, work instructions, and manufacturing plans to ensure consistent, traceable, and repeatable execution of thermal system testing and assembly activities.
  • Establish and enforce rigorous test traceability, documenting all phases of design, planning, execution, and post-processed data to ensure alignment with subsystem performance requirements and program-level milestones.
  • Tackle complex technical challenges by performing deep root cause investigations, coordinating with technicians, engineers, suppliers, and leadership to implement robust, long-lasting corrective actions.
  • Provide senior technical input in design and test reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.), shaping decisions to improve manufacturability, testability, reliability, and overall system performance.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • 10+ years of experience across thermal systems, fluid systems, manufacturing engineering, and/or test engineering in aerospace or similarly demanding environments.
  • Proficiency in CAD software (such as Siemens NX) for reviewing designs, creating manufacturing and test documentation, and supporting hardware development.
  • Advanced GD&T expertise, with experience creating, reviewing, and approving engineering drawings and ensuring intent is correctly translated into manufactured hardware.
  • Experience leading and executing high-pressure and LN2 test operations, including serving as test conductor and providing technical oversight to test operators.
  • Strong familiarity with aerospace test standards and codes (e.g., SMC-S-016, ASME B31.3), with demonstrated ability to interpret, apply, and enforce requirements in real-world test environments.
  • Deep knowledge of data acquisition systems, sensor selection, signal diagnostics, and data analysis techniques, with the ability to assess data quality and guide others in proper implementation.
  • Experience with paints, coatings, adhesives, and contamination-sensitive processes in an aerospace environment, including the ability to assess impacts to thermal and system performance.

Nice to have

  • Preferred Skills & Experience:

Compensation

  • $162,360 - $230,472 USD
  • 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.

Benefits

  • Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand.
  • 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

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.
  • 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.
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