Propulsion Test Engineer

Vast; Mojave (CA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off

Vacation days (up to 20+)

Parental leave

401(k) retirement plan

Lunch provided on site

Snacks and beverages

Job summary

Vast is seeking a Propulsion Test Engineer in Mojave to support propulsion systems for space station development. You will join a team reporting to the Propulsion Test Manager and lead hot-fire tests, safety‑critical operations, and test stand improvements.

The role requires a bachelor’s in aerospace/mechanical engineering and 2+ years in propulsion or hardware testing, with strong communication and cross‑functional skills. California location and full‑time employment are included.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering or related field.
• 2+ years in operation, design, and development of chemical propulsion and/or fluid systems, or hardware testing.

Responsibilities

• Perform thruster development, acceptance and qualification hot‑fire testing.
• Lead hazardous operations including work with high pressure fluids.
• Write test procedures for hazardous operations.
• Prepare and lead Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs).
• Work with test stand technicians during installation and inspection.
• Maintain and design modifications to test stand fluids and electrical systems.
• Collaborate with Long Beach‑based engineers to meet test requirements and debug issues.

Skills

Propulsion testing

Test execution

Hazardous operations

Test procedures

TRRs (Test Readiness Reviews)

Cross-functional teamwork

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Tools

NX

Teamcenter

Epsilon3

JIRA/Confluence

Beckhoff/TwinCAT

National Instruments/LabVIEW

Job description

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.

Vast is looking for a Propulsion Test Engineer, reporting to the Propulsion Test Manager to support the development of the propulsion systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial‑gravity human‑rated space stations.

This will be a full‑time, exempt position located in our Mojave location.

Responsibilities

• Perform thruster development, acceptance and qualification hot‑fire testing
• Lead hazardous operations including work with high pressure fluids
• Write test procedures for hazardous operations
• Prepare and lead Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs)
• Work side by side with the test stand technicians during test article install and inspection
• Maintain and design modifications to test stand fluids and electrical systems to meet current and expanding test requirements
• Work collaboratively with Long Beach‑based responsible engineers to meet test requirements, design test stand modifications, and debug test stand problems rapidly

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering or related field
• 2+ years of experience in the operation, design, and development of chemical propulsion and/or fluid systems, or hardware testing

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Propulsion experience in collegiate rocket program
• Experience with NX and Teamcenter
• Experience with Epsilon3
• Experience with JIRA / Confluence
• Experience with controls & data acquisition systems (e.g., Beckhoff/TwinCAT, National Instruments/LabVIEW)
• Experience building and testing high pressure fluid systems
• Tube fitting & bending, familiarity with common industry fitting systems
• Read & interpret Plumbing and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• 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 overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions outdoors in Mojave, CA

Pay Range

• Propulsion Test Engineer I: $86,000 – $122,000
• Propulsion Test Engineer II: $112,000 – $155,000
• Senior Propulsion Test Engineer: $135,000 – $195,000

Pay Range: California $86,000—$195,000 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 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

• 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.