Controls and Automation Engineer II

Vast; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Equity

401(k) retirement plan

Free meals and onsite barista

Job summary

Vast is seeking a Controls & Automation Engineer II to support development of systems for human-rated space stations at our Long Beach, CA location. The role focuses on building and maintaining a data acquisition and controls stack, and owning control systems for space-rated hardware, across software and hardware components.

You will collaborate with software, thermal, manufacturing, propulsion, ECLSS, and mechanical test teams to drive robust testing practices and define new capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or other engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of applied experience with programmable logic controllers or similar embedded systems.
• Working knowledge of supporting engineering skills (Wire Harnessing, electrical diagrams, signal processing).

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a data acquisition and controls stack to support a wide range of partnering test teams at the Long Beach site—creating software tools and setting standards for test assets and practices.
• Design, implement, and own complex control systems for testing space-rated hardware, with responsibility for both hardware and software components.
• Collaborate across disciplines—including software, thermal, manufacturing, propulsion, ECLSS, and mechanical test teams to drive robust testing practices, gather upgrade requests, and define new capabilities for the test stack.
• Troubleshoot and debug test assets to resolve issues quickly and ensure optimal test system performance.

Skills

PLC programming

TwinCAT programming

Python

C++

C#

JavaScript

ST

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Tools

TwinCAT

Beckhoff hardware

Git

GitLab

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.

Vast is looking for a(n) Controls & Automation Engineer II, reporting to the Manager, Controls & Automation, 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, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a data acquisition and controls stack to support a wide range of partnering test teams at the Long Beach site—creating software tools and setting standards for test assets and practices.
• Design, implement, and own complex control systems for testing space-rated hardware, with responsibility for both hardware and software components.
• Collaborate across disciplines—including software, thermal, manufacturing, propulsion, ECLSS, and mechanical test teams to drive robust testing practices, gather upgrade requests, and define new capabilities for the test stack.
• Troubleshoot and debug test assets to resolve issues quickly and ensure optimal test system performance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or other engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of applied experience with programmable logic controllers or similar embedded systems.
• Working knowledge of supporting engineering skills (Wire Harnessing, electrical diagrams, signal processing).

Preferred Skills & Experience

• 2+ years of experience with TwinCat programming and Beckhoff hardware.
• 2+ years of professional experience testing, troubleshooting and debugging mechanical, electrical, and software issues.
• Coding proficiency in one or more languages (Python, C#, C++, JS, ST, etc.)
• Working knowledge of version control (Git, GitLab) and software development.
• Working knowledge of instrumentation selection.
• Familiarity with the processes behind spaceflight testing (ATP/QTP).
• Understanding of industrial communication protocols (EtherCAT, Profinet, etc)
• Understanding of industrial standards (UL508A, NFPA 70, ISO 13849, etc).

Additional Requirements

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

Pay Range: California

$120,540 - $171,100 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, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering 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 by22 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.