Test Engineer II, Thermal Control Systems

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in May 2026. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time.If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.

Vast is looking for a Test Engineer II, Thermal Control Systems, reporting to the Manager, Thermal Test Engineering, to support the development of systems required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

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

At the heart of our artificial-gravity commercial space station program, the Thermal Test Engineering team takes full ownership of testing the hardware that keeps our Thermal Control Systems performing flawlessly. In this pivotal role, you’ll work cross-functionally to drive high-impact projects that are vital to the success of major test campaigns.

You’ll design and execute rigorous tests for components essential to the safety of future astronauts and passengers — and to the overall success of our mission. Your work will directly safeguard lives and enable humanity’s next giant leap in sustainable space habitation.

Responsibilities:

• Own and drive the full lifecycle of assigned test campaigns for thermal systems and mission-critical components, leading strategic test initiatives that shape both near-term and long-term space habitat missions
• Lead cross-functional test initiative and scoped projects from concept to execution, delivering everything from targeted case studies and analytical assessments to the design, build, and instrumentation of complex, high-fidelity test environments
• Tackle the hardest technical challenges, performing deep root-cause investigations and coordinating with technicians, engineers, and leadership to implement robust, long-lasting corrective actions
• Establish and enforce rigorous test traceability, documenting every phase of design, planning, execution, and post-processed data to ensure alignment with subsystem performance and program level requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• Strong foundation in fluid systems — including fluid mechanics and design, relevant test standards and best practices, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), test instrumentation and fittings, safety protocols, and troubleshooting methodologies
• Demonstrated experience owning and executing complex test campaigns, from defining objectives and Conop development through GSE design, build, instrumentation and on to operator training, test execution and data analysis
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional engineering projects, coordinating diverse stakeholders spearheading consensus building and project managing initiatives to successful, on-time completion
• A proactive, hands-on problem solver who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments and is comfortable operating autonomously to remove obstacles and deliver results
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information into clear, actionable insights for both engineering and non-technical audiences while also reconciling differing perspectives in a professional and pragmatic manner

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• 2+ years of proven success in rapidly designing, developing, and delivering highly reliable products
• 2+ years of hands-on expertise in building, testing, troubleshooting, and resolving fluid, mechanical, and electrical system issues
• Multidisciplinary capability — strong in a primary discipline (e.g., mechanical design, electronics, or controls) while possessing working knowledge across supporting fields, such as wiring, coding, CAD modeling, and machine drawing creation
• Experience with high pressure and LN2 test operations both as a test conductor and an operator.
• Understanding of common Data Analysis techniques sensor selection and signal diagnostics
• Knowledge of Data Acquisition hardware/design and harnessing design
• Familiarity with industry test standards (e.g., SMC-S-016, ASME B31.3) and the ability to apply them effectively in real-world test environments
• Understanding of the aerospace test lifecycle, including PDR, CDR, TRR, ATP, QTP, and other key program milestones
• Highly self-driven and organized, with outstanding written and verbal communication skills; able to prioritize, execute, and adapt under high-pressure conditions while continuously seeking improvement in all areas of work

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted

Pay Range:

• Test Engineer II: $110,000 - $142,100