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 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 Propulsion Test Engineer, reporting to the Propulsion Test Manager, to support the development of the propulsion systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. 

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

Responsibilities: 

• Perform thruster development, acceptance and qualification hot-fire testing
• Lead hazardous operations including work with high pressure fluids
• Write test procedures for hazardous operations
• Prepare and lead Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs)
• Work side by side with the test stand technicians during test article install and inspection
• Maintain and design modifications to test stand fluids and electrical systems to meet current and expanding test requirements
• Work collaboratively with Long Beach based responsible engineers to meet test requirements, design test stand modifications, and debug test stand problems rapidly

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering or related field
• 2+ years of experience in the operation, design, and development of chemical propulsion and/or fluid systems, or hardware testing

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Propulsion experience in collegiate rocket program
• Experience with NX and Teamcenter
• Experience with Epsilon3
• Experience with JIRA / Confluence
• Experience with controls & data acquisition systems (e.g., Beckhoff/TwinCAT, National Instruments/LabVIEW)
• Experience building and testing high pressure fluid systems
• Tube fitting & bending, familiarity with common industry fittings systems 
• Read & interpret Plumbing and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• 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 overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions outdoors in Mojave, CA
• 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 - $122,000 
• Propulsion Test Engineer II: $112,000 - $155,000
• Senior Propulsion Test Engineer: $135,000 - $195,000

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.