Senior Integration Technician

Socket.dev; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Company equity

Paid time off

Parental leave

401(k) retirement plan

Onsite meals and snacks

Job summary

Vast is seeking a Senior Integration Technician in Hawthorne, CA to assemble, test, and integrate liquid rocket engine hardware, supporting the transition from development to production.

The role requires 6+ years of production/manufacturing experience, hands-on hardware integration, and high-pressure testing, with full-time, non-exempt status and shifts including overtime.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 6+ years of experience in production, mechanical, or manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on hardware integration and high-pressure testing experience.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, install, and test liquid rocket engine hardware.
• Perform hands-on integration of large and small, high-precision, fragile assemblies.
• Use precision tools such as torque wrenches, micrometers, and calipers.
• Apply aerospace integration practices: safety wiring, helicoils, hardware verification.
• Read/interpret drawings, instructions, specs, BOMs, and P&IDs.
• Build/operate/maintain test facilities and fluid systems (propellant, high-pressure, cryogenic).
• Conduct engine/subsystem tests, including high-pressure operations and real-time sensor monitoring.
• Troubleshoot and maintain fluid, mechanical, and basic electrical systems.
• Support rapid iteration and development testing.
• Document build, test and maintenance activities.
• Adhere to and refine test processes and safety standards.
• Assist other shop floor teams through cross-functional collaboration and training.
• Operate forklifts and overhead lifting equipment.

Skills

6+ years experience in production/manu

Hands-on hardware integration

High-pressure testing experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Tools

Torque wrenches

Micrometers

Calipers

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 Senior Integration Technician, reporting to the Manager of Advanced Manufacturing to create the world's highest performing engine for small launchers, while optimizing for production and low cost. In this role, you will join a team with exciting momentum that has produced and successfully tested fully integrated engine development samples. You will be a key member who will help transition the system from development to production.

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

Responsibilities:

• Assemble, install, and test liquid rocket engine hardware
• Perform hands-on integration of large and small, high-precision, and fragile assemblies
• Use precision calibrated tools including torque wrenches, micrometers, and calipers
• Execute aerospace integration practices such as safety wiring, helicoil installation, and hardware verification
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, specifications, bills of material, and P&IDs
• Build, operate, and maintain test facilities, and fluid systems including propellant, high-pressure, and cryogenic systems
• Conduct engine and subsystem test operations, including high-pressure operations, fluid fill/drain/handling, and real-time sensor monitoring
• Troubleshoot and perform maintenance on fluid, mechanical, and basic electrical systems
• Support rapid iteration and development testing
• Document build, test, and maintenance activities
• Adhere to and help refine test processes, safety standards, and best practices
• Support other shop floor teams through cross-functional collaboration and training
• Operate heavy equipment such as forklifts and overhead lifting equipment

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 6+ years of experience in production, mechanical, or manufacturing environment
• Hands-on hardware integration and high-pressure testing experience

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience in the aerospace industry, aviation, military, or other high-reliability operating environments
• Experience in the assembly and testing of propulsion systems
• Tube fitting and bending experience with common industry fitting systems
• Experience with gaseous oxygen (GOx), liquid propellant, and cryogenic handling and systems maintenance

Additional Requirements:

• Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and/or weekends as needed
• Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs. unassisted

Pay Range: California

$40.12 — $56.95 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.