Materials Test Specialist I

Vast; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k)

Equity

Paid time off

Spring Health

Lunch subsidy

Job summary

Vast in Long Beach is seeking a Materials Test Specialist I to support development and production of spacecraft hardware. You will prepare samples, operate test equipment, and gather data to help engineers evaluate materials for flight readiness.

The role is full-time and non-exempt, reporting to the M&P Supervisor Materials Testing, with responsibilities across calibration, documentation, and safety in a hands-on lab environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• 5+ years in a laboratory, manufacturing, testing, inspection, quality, or hands-on technical role.
• Ability to follow written technical procedures and trace data accurately.
• Basic proficiency with Excel and electronic documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on materials testing and characterization for spacecraft development and production.
• Prepare, label, track, and document material specimens per procedures.
• Set up and operate lab test equipment to evaluate material properties.
• Support testing of metals, polymers, adhesives, coatings, composites, elastomers, and other materials.
• Document test data with accuracy and traceability.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Data collection

Measurement equipment

Excel

Independent work

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or technical certification (materials science / related)

Tools

Universal testing machines

Hardness testers

Environmental chambers

Microscopes

Ovens

Balances

Dimensional inspection equipment

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 a Materials Test Specialist I, reporting to the M&P Supervisor Materials Testing, to support materials testing, characterization, and qualification activities for the development and production of human-rated spacecraft and space station hardware. This role will work hands‑on in a laboratory environment preparing samples, operating test equipment, collecting data, and supporting engineers in evaluating materials and manufacturing processes for flight applications.

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

Responsibilities

• Perform hands‑on materials testing and characterization in support of spacecraft development, qualification, and production
• Prepare, label, track, and document material specimens and test samples according to established procedures and specifications
• Set up and operate laboratory test equipment used to evaluate mechanical, thermal, physical, and environmental material properties
• Support testing of metals, polymers, adhesives, coatings, composites, elastomers, and other materials used in spacecraft hardware
• Execute testing according to engineering test plans, work instructions, ASTM standards, NASA standards, and internal specifications
• Collect, organize, and document test data while ensuring accuracy, traceability, and proper configuration control
• Assist Materials & Processes engineers with material qualification and process validation testing.
• Perform routine inspection and measurement of test specimens using laboratory and dimensional inspection equipment
• Support environmental testing activities including thermal cycling, vacuum compatibility/outgassing, flammability, and other spacecraft‑specific material evaluations
• Maintain laboratory equipment, tooling, fixtures, consumables, and test areas to ensure safe and efficient operations
• Identify unexpected test results, equipment issues, or material nonconformances and escalation findings to the appropriate engineering team
• Assist with failure investigations and root‑cause analysis by preparing samples and supporting material characterization activities
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, test logs, equipment calibration status, and material traceability documentation
• Work closely with Materials & Processes, Manufacturing, Quality, Design Engineering, and Production teams to support hardware development and build schedules
• Follow all applicable safety procedures when handling chemicals, materials, test equipment, and laboratory processes
• Support continuous improvement of laboratory procedures, test methods, fixtures, and workflows

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• 5+ years of experience working in a laboratory, manufacturing, testing, inspection, quality, or other hands‑on technical environment
• Experience following written technical procedures, work instructions, or test specifications.
• Ability to accurately collect, document, and communicate technical data
• Basic proficiency using hand tools, measurement equipment, and/or laboratory equipment
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Excel and electronic documentation systems
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate records and material traceability
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross‑functional technical team

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Associate degree or technical certification in materials science, engineering technology, chemistry, manufacturing, aerospace, or a related technical discipline
• Experience working in aerospace, spacecraft, automotive, defense, medical device, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment
• Hands‑on experience with material specimen preparation, mechanical testing, environmental testing, or material characterization
• Experience with tensile, compression, hardness, adhesion, thermal, or other mechanical/material testing methods
• Familiarity with materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, composites, adhesives, polymers, coatings, and elastomers
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as universal testing machines, hardness testers, environmental chambers, microscopes, ovens, balances, or dimensional inspection equipment
• Familiarity with ASTM, NASA, or aerospace material testing standards
• Experience supporting material qualification, process qualification, failure analysis, or root‑cause investigations
• Experience working within AS9100 or another quality‑controlled manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with material certifications, lot traceability, calibration requirements, and controlled documentation
• Experience safely handling chemicals and following laboratory safety and hazardous material procedures
• Ability to read engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation

Additional Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform hands‑on laboratory work
• Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required
• Willingness to work overtime and/or weekends when necessary to support critical test, production, and mission milestones

Pay Range: California

$41 - $58 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
• 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
• 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. 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 be considered for deemed export licensing.

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.