Structures Test Technician

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 in Long 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 a Test Technician, reporting to the Structures Test Engineer, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space stations.

This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Mojave location.

Responsibilities:

• Maintaining, upgrading and operating  the Haven-1 Primary Structural Test Stand at VAST’s Mojave Test Site.
• Installing the Haven-1 Space Station Hull into the test stand for static structural testing.
• Service, troubleshoot, and maintain hydraulic actuators and associated hydraulic plumbing used to apply structural test loads.
• Service and maintain the GN2 (gaseous nitrogen) pressurization system, including regulators, valves, and associated high-pressure plumbing.
• Support Test Engineers in the execution of static load tests on the space station hull, including pre-test setup, run support, and post-test teardown/inspection.
• Perform routine and corrective maintenance on test stand mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems to keep stands mission-ready.
• Flex to support other rocket engine, component, and thruster test stands at the Mojave Test Site as testing priorities and schedules require.
• Follow all safety protocols for high-pressure systems, hydraulics, and heavy equipment; identify and escalate safety concerns proactively.
• Maintain accurate test stand configuration, maintenance, and work order records.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 5+ years of hands-on technical experience in testing, manufacturing, industrial maintenance, or a related hands-on field.
• Proficient reading and working from mechanical drawings and P&IDs
• Demonstrated experience with at least one of: hydraulic systems, high-pressure gas systems, or welding/fabrication.
• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Background as a pipefitter, hydraulics technician, or heavy machine operator with hydraulics repair experience.
• Experience with high-pressure pneumatic/gas system plumbing (e.g., GN2, GHe).
• Familiarity with test stand instrumentation (load cells, pressure transducers, strain gauges).
• Experience operating mechanical load frames for structural testing.
• Experience servicing hydraulic actuators, hydraulic pump units and hydraulic servo valves.
• With common high pressure and hydraulics fittings.

Additional Requirements:

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

Pay Range:

• Structures Test Technician I: $22.87 - $32.46
• Structures Test Technician II: $29.37 - $41.69
• Structures Test Technician III: $33.36 - $47.35
• Senior Structures Test Technician: $40.10 - $56.92

Pay Range: California

$22.87—$56.92 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 STATUSThe 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.