Vast Senior Test Engineer, Thermal Control Systems at Vast responsible for managing thermal control system test campaigns from planning through execution and data analysis. This role supports near-term and long-term space habitat missions.
Responsibilities
Own and drive the full lifecycle of assigned thermal control system test campaigns of moderate complexity — from CONOP and test plan development through GSE design, build, instrumentation, execution, data analysis, and closeout — supporting near-term and long-term space habitat missions
Perform hands-on assembly, integration, instrumentation, and testing of thermal and fluid systems (tubing, heat exchangers, cold plates, pumps, valves, heaters, MLI), ensuring compliance with engineering specifications, safety protocols, and industry standards
Develop and maintain detailed test plans, procedures, work instructions, and manufacturing plans, and uphold rigorous test traceability across design, planning, execution, and post-processed data to ensure alignment with subsystem requirements and program milestones
Collaborate cross-functionally with thermal design, analysis, systems, integration, and manufacturing teams — and support suppliers — to inform manufacturability, assembly, and testability of thermal hardware and ensure timely delivery of quality components
Investigate and resolve complex technical issues through root cause analysis, coordinating with technicians, engineers, and suppliers to implement lasting corrective actions
Provide technical input in design and test reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.) and contribute to continuous improvement efforts that boost test efficiency, manufacturing yield, and data quality
Serve as a reliable technical contributor and informal mentor to junior engineers, while helping shape best practices and standardization within the test engineering team
Qualification
Pay Range$137
Required
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, with 5+ 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 — along with hands-on experience testing and troubleshooting fluid, mechanical, and electromechanical components and performing root-cause analysis of failures
Demonstrated experience owning and executing test campaigns end-to-end, from objective definition and CONOP development through GSE design, build, instrumentation, test execution, and data analysis, including contributing to test automation and data review tools
Proficiency in CAD software (such as Siemens NX) for reviewing designs and creating manufacturing and test documentation, and a proven ability to contribute to cross-functional engineering initiatives and drive projects to on-time completion in fast-paced environments
Working knowledge of data acquisition systems, sensor selection, signal diagnostics, and data analysis techniques, with solid depth in a primary discipline and working knowledge across controls, electronics, wiring, and instrumentation
Preferred
Hands-on experience with supercritical fluid systems, high-pressure and LN2 test operations (including serving as test conductor), and thermal control hardware manufacturing/assembly processes (fluid tubing, heat exchangers, cold plates, MLI), with the ability to identify manufacturability risks
Working GD&T proficiency for reviewing engineering drawings and ensuring design intent translates correctly into manufactured hardware, plus experience with paints, coatings, adhesives, and contamination-sensitive processes in an aerospace environment
Familiarity with aerospace test standards and codes (e.g., SMC-S-016, ASME B31.3) and the aerospace test lifecycle (PDR, CDR, TRR, ATP, QTP), with the ability to interpret and apply requirements in real-world test environments
Advanced proficiency of data acquisition systems, sensor selection, signal diagnostics, and data analysis techniques, with solid depth in a primary discipline and working knowledge across controls, electronics, wiring, and instrumentation
Pay Range: California
$137,760—$195,552 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.
