Propulsion Test Technician

Vast; Mojave (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Equity

Paid time off

401(k)

Meal perks

Job summary

Vast is hiring a Propulsion Test Technician in Mojave, CA to support the development and testing of rocket thrusters and high-pressure fluid systems. The role reports to the Manager, Propulsion Development Test and is full-time, non-exempt, based at the Mojave site with responsibilities spanning test setup, operation, troubleshooting, and collaboration with HQ engineers.

Qualified candidates will have 5+ years hands-on experience in testing/manufacturing or related fields, familiarity with

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on technical experience in testing, manufacturing, instrument fitter, industrial maintenance, or a related hands-on field.
• Proficient reading and working from mechanical drawings and P&IDs.
• Experience bending and flaring stainless steel tubing.
• Experience building / testing high pressure fluid systems.
• Experience performing pressure proof testing.

Responsibilities

• Build, maintain and operate rocket thruster test stands, with a focus on high pressure fluid systems.
• Perform install, uninstall and inspections on rocket engine thrusters.
• Support development, acceptance, qualification, and investigative test campaigns.
• Follow detailed work instructions and test procedures during hazardous operations.
• Work safely in a clean-room environment on high pressure oxygen systems.
• Troubleshoot and perform maintenance on fluid systems, mechanical, and electrical systems.
• Work collaboratively with test engineers and test article responsible engineers from HQ.
• Implement continuous improvements to increase safety and test site productivity.

Skills

Hands-on experience

Reading drawings

High pressure systems

Field testing

Forklift operation

Education

High school diploma

Tools

P&IDs

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 Propulsion Test Technician, reporting to the Manager, Propulsion Development Test , 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 Mojave location.

Responsibilities:

• Build, maintain and operate rocket thruster test stands, with a focus on high pressure fluid systems.
• Perform install, uninstall and inspections on rocket engine thrusters.
• Support development, acceptance, qualification, and investigative test campaigns.
• Follow detailed work instructions and test procedures during hazardous operations.
• Work safely in a clean-room environment on high pressure oxygen systems.
• Troubleshoot and perform maintenance on fluid systems, mechanical, and electrical systems.
• Work collaboratively with test engineers and test article responsible engineers from HQ.
• Implement continuous improvements to increase safety and test site productivity.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 5+ years of hands‑on technical experience in testing, manufacturing, instrument fitter, industrial maintenance, or a related hands‑on field.
• Proficient reading and working from mechanical drawings and P&IDs.
• Experience bending and flaring stainless steel tubing.
• Experience building / testing high pressure fluid systems.
• Experience performing pressure proof testing.
• Ability to conduct test operations in the field for an extended period of time.
• Ability to operate heavy machinery (Forklift, All‑terrain Forklift, overhead equipment, etc.)
• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience operating / fabricating high-pressure (6 kpsi) gaseous oxygen systems.
• Experience with precision cleaning and assembly of precision clearned systems.
• Experience rebuilding high pressure valves and regulators.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted and work in an outdoor, physically demanding test environment (from freezing conditions to temps up to 120 degrees fahrenheit).
• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones.

Pay Range:

• Propulsion Test Technician I: $22.87 - $32.46
• Propulsion Test Technician II: $29.37 - $41.69
• Propulsion Test Technician III: $33.36 - $47.35
• Senior Test Technician: $40.10 - $56.92

Pay Range: California $22.87 — $58.92 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 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

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.