Orbital Tube Welder

Vast; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 39,950 - 42,705; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Generous paid time off

401(k) retirement plan

Onsite food perks and coffee

Mental healthcare access

Job summary

Vast is seeking an experienced Orbital Tube Welder and Fabrication Technician in Long Beach, California. This full-time position is essential for the design and build of human-rated space stations. Responsibilities include setting up welding systems, working from blueprints, and collaborating with engineering on process improvements.

Candidates should possess at least 3 years of relevant experience or a trade skills program certificate. The role also offers an attractive salary range of $29 to $31, along with various benefits including medical coverage and generous paid time off.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of welding, machining or manufacturing experience OR certificate from an accredited trade skills program.
• Certification from a formal orbital weld training program preferred.
• 3+ years of orbital welding experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create and follow procedures to set up and operate the orbital welding system.
• Work alongside engineering to provide insight to process improvements.
• Inspect all completed assemblies using borescope and other inspection tools.

Skills

Welding

Machining

Manufacturing experience

TIG welding

Forklift operation

Education

Certificate from an accredited trade skills program

Tools

Orbital welding system

Inspection tools (borescope)

Job description

About the Company

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next‑generation space stations 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. Using an incremental, hardware‑rich and low‑cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi‑module Haven Station. 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, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. 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.

Position

Vast is looking for an Orbital Tube Welder and Fabrication Technician (1st or 2nd), reporting to the Manufacturing Manager, Tube Fabrication 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.

Shift Schedule

• First shift: 5am - 2:30pm
• Second shift: 2pm - 10:30pm

Responsibilities

• Create and follow procedures to set up and operate the orbital welding system
• Work from blueprints and approved drawings
• Work alongside engineering to provide insight to process improvements
• Cut and prepare tubing and fittings used in the welding operation
• Perform set up and maintenance of the welding system
• Assist in training other teammates in orbital tube welding
• Work with final integration teams to weld on vehicle assembly
• Assemble and calibrate liquid controllers and systems as required
• Inspect all completed assemblies using borescope and other inspection tools
• Proof assemblies per company standards
• Maintain an adequate supply of spare parts for the welding system
• Maintain a clean work area, practicing “clean as you go” and general housekeeping standards
• Assist in facility needs

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of welding, machining or manufacturing experience OR certificate from an accredited trade skills program in A&P, manufacturing, welding, and/or electronics

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Certification from a formal orbital weld training program
• 3+ years of orbital welding experience
• Clean room experience
• Airframe and powerplant (A&P) license
• TIG welding and clean room experience
• Experience working in an aerospace manufacturing environment
• Strong forklift experience

Additional Requirements

• Able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Able to stand for extended periods – 8 hours min
• Able to stoop, bend, crawl, and be able to maneuver in tight spaces
• Able to work in small teams to ensure production needs are consistently met

Pay Range

California: $29 – $31 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 and access to a full suite of 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 offer exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of our commitment to 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.