Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and capital-efficient approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to support a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and supporting a growing space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to design, build, and operate its own spacecraft in orbit. Next, Haven-1 is targeted to become the world’s first commercial space station, with launch anticipated in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced two new offerings leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo: Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line; and Vast Lunar Systems, power, communications, and habitats for the Moon.

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 capable of manufacturing America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for Mars, dedicated modules for government partners, and other crewed systems designed to unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

Vast is looking for a Senior RF Test Engineer, reporting to the Manager, RF Test Engineering, 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, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities

Work closely with RF and antenna engineers to design and build state of the art automated test systems for component level and vehicle level applications.
Test automation software development for test instruments, data processing, test sequencing, and reporting.
Define RF test system requirements and specifications.
Support spacecraft RF test activities such as OTA, EMI/EMC, antenna pattern measurement, and system checkouts.
Hands on environmental test for RF hardware (thermal cycling, TVAC, random vibration, shock, EMI/EMC, humidity, etc) as well as supporting spacecraft integration tests in cleanroom facilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in ECE, EE, Physics, or related STEM discipline.
2+ years in an RF design and/or test role.
Experience with RF test equipment such as Spectrum Analyzers, Vector Network Analyzers, Signal Generators, Communications Test Systems, Power Meters, etc.
Experience with software development: Python, Matlab, C/C++, etc.

Preferred Skills & Experience

Master’s Degree in ECE, EE, Physics, or related stem discipline.
Mission oriented mindset with a strong desire for team success.
Comfortable communicating deeply technical topics to a wide variety of audiences.
Familiarity with IP networking and ethernet connected test instruments.
Experience with serial communication protocols such as CAN, SPI, and I2C, RS-422/485.
Understanding of RF link budgets, thermal noise, noise figure, EVM, P1dB, Spurs, and Rx sensitivity.
Familiarity with antenna testing concepts such as gain, directivity, EIRP, and antenna patterns.
Understanding of RF schematics and RF electronics manufacturing.
Experience with GNU Radio and software-defined radios (SDRs) and GPS receivers.
Understanding of RF modulation schemes such as BPSK, QPSK, GMSK, APSK, TDMA, FDMA, etc.
Experience processing large frequency and time-domain sets of data
Familiarity with space rated avionics test standards such as SMC-S-016, GSFC-STD-7000, MIL-STD-461, etc.

Additional Requirements

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

Pay Range

RF Test Engineer: $120,054 - $171,108
Senior RF Test Engineer: $147,600 - $209,520

Pay Range: California

$120,054—$209,520 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.