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 Instrumentation Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager, Engineering (E-2), to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design, build, and test of the E-2 LOX/Kerosene oxidizer-rich staged combustion engine.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located at our Mojave Test Site location.

Responsibilities

This role encompasses two core responsibilities: serving as a console operator during hazardous operations and owning the instrumentation, EGSE, and DAQ systems on the test stand.
Serve as Test Conductor and Test Director during static fire testing of the E-2 engine, ensuring safe and disciplined execution of test operations.
Plan, coordinate, and lead hazardous operations involving high-pressure systems, cryogenic fluids, and rocket propulsion hardware.
Maintain and oversee test stand instrumentation and control systems across rocket engine and component test facilities.
Develop, update, and maintain electrical schematics for test stand instrumentation and control systems.
Manage instrumentation calibration records, ensuring traceability, accuracy, and compliance with required standards.
Oversee calibration equipment inventory, usage, and maintenance, including coordination of recalibration activities.
Collaborate with skilled technicians to design, build, test, maintain, and troubleshoot Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE).
Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, mechanical, and software-related issues on test stands to ensure operational readiness.
Identify and implement continuous improvements to enhance safety, reliability, and operational efficiency at the test site.
Support and participate in Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), including verification of test objectives, procedures, and safety requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
2+ years of experience working with instrumentation and control systems in an operational, design, or development capacity, preferably in test stand or industrial environments.

Preferred Skills & Experience

Experience with industrial sensors and instrumentation, including strain gauges, IEPE accelerometers, thermocouples (TCs), RTDs, and 4–20 mA current loop systems.
Ability to read, interpret, and work from technical documentation, including wiring diagrams, sensor datasheets, equipment manuals, and system schematics.
Ability to read and interpret plumbing and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
Experience with National Instruments (NI) hardware and LabVIEW-based data acquisition and control systems.
Proficiency in programming and scripting languages such as Python, MATLAB, C/C++, SQL, and Git for version control.
Experience working with high-pressure fluid and gas systems, including safe operation, monitoring, and troubleshooting.