Vast · 17 hours ago
Staff Test Engineer, Thermal Control Systems
Long Beach, California, United States
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$159K/yr - $206K/yr
15+ years expVast is a pioneering company focused on developing next-generation space stations to support human presence in space. They are seeking a Staff Test Engineer for Thermal Control Systems to lead test campaigns, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and ensure high standards of safety and quality in the testing process.
Defense & Space
Responsibilities
Lead definition of hardware/software best practices and standardization for the wider test engineering organization
Own and drive the full lifecycle of assigned thermal control system test campaigns, from early concept development through execution, data analysis, and closeout, supporting both near-term and long-term space habitat missions
Act as a go-to technical resource and mentor, helping develop talent while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and data integrity
Collaborate closely with thermal design, analysis, systems, integration, and manufacturing teams to provide input on manufacturability, assembly, and testability of thermal hardware, including tubing, heat exchangers, cold plates, pumps, valves, heaters, and MLI
Lead cross-functional test initiatives and scoped projects, delivering everything from analytical assessments and case studies to the design, build, and instrumentation of complex, high-fidelity test environments and ground support equipment (GSE)
Perform hands-on assembly, integration, instrumentation, and testing of thermal and fluid systems, ensuring compliance with engineering specifications, safety protocols, and industry standards
Develop, document, and maintain detailed test plans, CONOPs, procedures, work instructions, and manufacturing plans to ensure consistent, traceable, and repeatable execution of thermal system testing and assembly activities
Establish and enforce rigorous test traceability, documenting all phases of design, planning, execution, and post-processed data to ensure alignment with subsystem performance requirements and program-level milestones
Tackle complex technical challenges by performing deep root cause investigations, coordinating with technicians, engineers, suppliers, and leadership to implement robust, long-lasting corrective actions
Serve as a technical authority with suppliers, leading reviews and approvals of manufacturing and test processes to ensure timely delivery of high-quality thermal control components and test hardware
Provide senior technical input in design and test reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.), shaping decisions to improve manufacturability, testability, reliability, and overall system performance
Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying systemic opportunities to improve test efficiency, manufacturing yield, data quality, and overall program execution, and by influencing adoption across teams
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
15+ years of experience across thermal systems, fluid systems, manufacturing engineering, and/or test engineering in aerospace or similarly demanding environments
Strong foundation in fluid systems, including fluid mechanics, system design, P&IDs, test instrumentation and fittings, safety protocols, and troubleshooting methodologies
Experience developing test automation and data review tools for hardware test environments, including test execution, data acquisition, and post-test analysis
Demonstrated experience owning and executing complex test campaigns, from objective definition and CONOP development through GSE design, build, instrumentation, test execution, and data analysis
Proficiency in CAD software (such as Siemens NX) for reviewing designs, creating manufacturing and test documentation, and supporting hardware development
Proven ability to lead cross-functional engineering initiatives and drive projects to on-time completion in fast-paced environments
Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends as needed to support critical test campaigns and mission milestones
Preferred
Hands-on experience developing, testing, or operating systems that utilize supercritical fluids, including an understanding of associated thermal, mechanical, and safety considerations
Advanced GD&T expertise, with experience creating, reviewing, and approving engineering drawings and ensuring intent is correctly translated into manufactured hardware
Deep technical understanding of thermal control hardware manufacturing and assembly processes, including fluid tubing, heat exchangers, cold plates, and MLI, with the ability to identify and resolve manufacturability risks
Experience leading and executing high-pressure and LN2 test operations, including serving as test conductor and providing technical oversight to test operators
Strong familiarity with aerospace test standards and codes (e.g., SMC-S-016, ASME B31.3), with demonstrated ability to interpret, apply, and enforce requirements in real-world test environments
Thorough understanding of the aerospace test lifecycle, including PDR, CDR, TRR, ATP, QTP, and related program milestones, with experience influencing technical decisions at each phase
Deep knowledge of data acquisition systems, sensor selection, signal diagnostics, and data analysis techniques, with the ability to assess data quality and guide others in proper implementation
Experience with paints, coatings, adhesives, and contamination-sensitive processes in an aerospace environment, including the ability to assess impacts to thermal and system performance
Multidisciplinary technical capability, with recognized depth in a primary discipline and effective working knowledge across controls, electronics, wiring, and instrumentation
Benefits
100% 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
Other discounts and perks
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
Company
Vast
Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure 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.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Max Haot
Chief Executive Officer
Alex Hudson
Chief Technology Officer
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