Avionics Test Technician II

Vast; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid time off

401(k) plan

Equity

Job summary

Vast is seeking an Avionics Test Technician to support avionics system testing for space infrastructure initiatives. You will build, operate, and maintain test systems, troubleshoot equipment, and execute campaigns under the guidance of the Manager of Avionics Testing.

The role is full-time, non-exempt in Long Beach, with overtime and weekend support for mission milestones. Strong documentation and collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in manufacturing, test, operations, aerospace or related role.
• 2+ years using electronics equipment (DMMs, oscilloscopes, etc.).
• 5+ years using basic mechanical and/or electronics hand tools.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Basic understanding of electrical principles and safety.

Responsibilities

• Build and commission test systems for avionics and related electronics hardware.
• Operate, troubleshoot, repair, maintain, and modify testing equipment.
• Support development, acceptance, qualification, and test campaigns via test systems.
• Perform work according to procedures, specifications, and test instructions.
• Read and interpret technical drawings including cable harnesses and wiring diagrams.
• Maintain awareness of electrical safety and ESD practices.
• Monitor progress and deliver all work on schedule.

Skills

Documentation

Communication

Electrical principles

Reading drawings

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

MS Office

Google Workspace

Oscilloscopes

DMMs

Programmable power supplies

C++, Python, Linux

Job description

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a 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. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.

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 required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

Vast is looking for an Avionics Test Technician reporting to the Manager of Avionics Testing, 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, non-exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities

• Build and commission test systems for avionics systems and associated electronics hardware
• Operate, troubleshoot, repair, maintain, and modify testing equipment
• Support development, acceptance, qualification, and investigative test campaigns via build and operation of test systems
• Perform work according to procedures, specifications, and test instructions
• Use various mechanical tools without instruction
• Read and interpret technical drawings including cable harnesses, and wiring diagrams in support of above activities.
• Have a working understanding of standard industry ESD best practices
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment.
• Monitor one's own work progress against established standards and deliver all work on schedule

Minimum Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience working in a manufacturing, test, operations, aerospace industry, or other relevant role
• 2+ years of experience using electronics equipment (e.g. programmable power supplies, DMMs, oscilloscopes, etc.)
• 5+ years of experience using basic mechanical and/or electronics hand tools
• High School Diploma or equivalency certificate
• Basic comprehension of electrical principles and wiring concepts including electrical safety
• Proficient with computers and the ability to use MS Office and Google Workspace.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Strong documentation and communication skills
• Hands-on experience with product testing
• Experience with relevant aerospace testing standards (SMC-S-016, etc.)
• Experience in the aerospace industry, aviation, military, or other high-reliability operating environments.
• Knowledge of data acquisition systems (Analog inputs, analog output, digital inputs, digital outputs)
• Experience working with C++, python, and operating linux systems
• Knowledge of JIRA project management software and Confluence
• Qualifications in NASA STD 8739.4, IPC-620, and J-STD-001
• Experience working in a cleanroom environment
• Experience with soldering PCBAs

Additional Requirements

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

Pay Range: California

$28 - $47 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.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including:

• 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.

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.