Materials Technician, Soft Goods

Vast; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company at the forefront of space exploration as a Soft Goods Technician. In this exciting role, you will be responsible for developing and sewing essential equipment for artificial gravity space stations. Your expertise in sewing and technical fabrics will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and functionality of crew equipment bags and habitable interiors. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects that aim to make long-term space living a reality. If you're passionate about innovation and eager to make a difference in humanity's future in space, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

100% medical coverage

dental coverage

vision coverage

flexible paid time off

paid parental leave

short and long-term disability insurance

life insurance

free catered meals

401(k) retirement plan

mental healthcare support

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional sewing experience in industrial settings.
• Knowledge of technical fabrics and bonding methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop patterns and sew crew equipment bags for space habitats.
• Inspect and maintain soft goods fabrication equipment.

Skills

Sewing

Pattern Development

Fabric Inspection

Technical Fabric Knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalency

Tools

Industrial Sewing Machines

Industrial Fabric Cutters

Hot Air Sealing Machine

Job description

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in May 2026. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.

Vast is looking for a Soft Goods Technician, reporting to Manager, Materials & Processes, to support the development of the crew equipment bags and habitable interior surfaces that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities:

• Develop patterns for use in interior soft goods and cut them on industrial fabric cutters.
• Sew crew equipment bags and A-surface closeout fabric from cut pieces to completion on industrial sewing machines, including incorporation of labels, zippers, tabs, tangs, and other closure and affixment methods.
• Maintain and adjust machine settings for optimal sewn product quality.
• Inspect, test, and repair soft goods fabrication equipment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 5+ years of professional sewing experience in industrial apparel and accessories manufacturing, aerospace soft goods, or theater/costume manufacturing.
• Able to stand for extended periods and work with a variety of chemicals.
• Able to bend, kneel, balance, climb, stoop and crouch on a regular basis to adjust settings on machinery and move materials and tools as needed.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience working with technical fabrics and various types of bonding methodologies. Beta Cloth, leather, Ultraleather, natural fabrics.
• Experience in seam sealing using an industrial hot air sealing machine.
• Experience in working to aerospace manufacturing specifications and quality standards.
• A thorough understanding of inspection requirements, safety protocols, and soft goods repair and maintenance processes.

Pay Range:

Salary Range: California

$19 - $40 USD

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: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, free catered meals and snacks and beverages, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.

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.