Orbital Tube Welder

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 an Orbital Tube Welder and Fabrication Technician, reporting to Manufacturing Supervisor, Tube Fabrication, 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 a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Long Beach location. 

Shift schedule: 

• First shift: 5:00am - 2:30pm
• Second shift: 2:00pm -10:30pm 

Responsibilities: 

• Create and follow procedures to setup and operate the orbital welding system
• Work from blueprints and approved drawings
• Work alongside engineering to provide insight to process improvements 
• Cut and prepare tubing and fittings used in the welding operation
• Perform setup and maintenance of the welding system
• Assist in training other teammates in orbital tube welding
• Work with final integration teams to weld on vehicle assembly
• Assemble and calibrate liquid controllers and systems as required
• Inspect all completed assemblies using borescope and other inspection tools
• Proofing assemblies per company standards 
• Maintain an adequate supply of spare parts for the welding system
• Maintain a clean work area, practicing “clean as you go” and general housekeeping standards 
• Assist in facility needs

Minimum Qualifications:

• 3+ year of welding, machining or manufacturing experience OR certificate from an accredited trade skills program in A&P, manufacturing, welding, and/or electronics

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Certification from a formal orbital weld training program
• 3+ years of orbital welding experience
• Clean room experience 
• Airframe and powerplant (A&P) license
• TIG welding and clean room experience
• Experience working in an aerospace manufacturing environment
• Strong forklift experience

Additional Requirements:

• Able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Able to stand for extended periods – 8 hours min
• Able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces
• Able to work in small teams to ensure production needs are consistently met

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.