Vast Test Instrumentation Engineer at Vast supports design, build, and test of the E-2 LOX/Kerosene oxidizer-rich staged combustion engine. This role manages test stand instrumentation, serves as test conductor, and leads hazardous operations.
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.
Qualification
Ability to read
Required
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
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.
Ability to analyze operational or test data and implement corrective actions based on findings.
