Propulsion Test Engineer Mojave

Vast Space LLC; California (MO); On-site; USD 84,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company equity

Full benefits package

Flexible PTO

Wellness benefits

Job summary

A space technology company is seeking an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer in Mojave, California. You will run crucial tests on engine systems and assist in their design and testing. A Bachelor's degree in engineering and 2+ years of experience in fluid systems are required, along with strong communication skills. This full-time role offers a salary ranging from $84,000 to $140,000 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in the operation, design and development of fluid systems.
• Experience handling cryogenic fluids is preferred.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Run hotfires of the E-2 engine as Test Conductor.
• Plan and lead hazardous operations with high pressures.
• Author and maintain test procedures for hazardous operations.
• Work on design and modification of fluid and electrical systems.

Skills

Fluid system design

Testing hardware

Communication

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline

Tools

NX

Teamcenter

Epsilon3

JIRA

Confluence

Python

Matlab

Visual Basic

Job description

Overview

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 to enable long-term stays 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 in 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 an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager, Engineering (E-2), to support the development of the systems required for the design, build, and test of the E-2 LOX/Kerosene oxidizer-rich staged combustion engine.

This is a full-time, exempt position located in our Mojave location.

Responsibilities

• Sit on console as Test Conductor and Test Director, running hotfires of the E-2 LOX/Kerosene oxidizer-rich staged combustion engine.
• Plan and lead hazardous operations including work with high pressures and cryogenic fluids.
• Assist in driving engine development, qualification, and acceptance test campaigns to completion.
• Author and maintain test procedures, sequences, and configuration files for hazardous operations.
• Support Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs).
• Work side by side with test stand technicians during fabrication of test stand hardware and integration of test articles.
• Work on projects to design and modify fluid and electrical systems on the engine test stands.
• Troubleshoot fluid, mechanical, electrical, and software related systems on the test stands.
• Implement continuous improvements to improve safety and test site productivity.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 2+ years of experience in the operation, design and development of fluid systems, or hardware testing

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience handling cryogenic fluids
• Experience with NX and Teamcenter
• Experience with Epsilon3
• Experience with JIRA / Confluence
• Experience with coding languages (Python, Matlab, Visual Basic)
• Experience building and testing high pressure fluid/gas systems
• Experience reviewing data and taking corrective actions based on findings
• Experience with common instrumentation and controls systems and sensors
• Tube fitting & bending; familiar with common industry fittings systems
• Read & interpret Plumbing and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, along with effective teamwork abilities
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams
• Ability and willingness to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay Range: Eng I: $84,000 - $105,000; Eng II: $105,000 - $140,000
• Salary Range: California
• Salary: $84,000 - $140,000 USD
• Base salary will vary based on knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Full-time employees receive company equity and a full benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible PTO, vacation, parental leave, short and long-term disability, life insurance, 401(k) plan, wellness benefits, and other perks.

Equal Opportunity

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.