Senior Thermal Test Engineer - Space Station (Equity)

Vast Space Llc.; Long Beach, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 138,000 - 196,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off and generous vacation

Onsite meals and snacks

Company equity potential

Job summary

Vast Space Llc. in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Test Engineer, Thermal Control Systems to own end‑to‑end test campaigns and lead hands‑on assembly, instrumentation, and testing of thermal solutions for space habitats.

The role requires 5+ years in aerospace thermal systems, strong fluid handling and data analysis skills, and proficiency with Siemens NX for documentation and design reviews. This exempt, full‑time position offers extensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience across thermal systems, fluid systems, manufacturing engineering, and/or test engineering in aerospace or similarly demanding environments.
• Strong foundation in fluid systems, troubleshooting, and root‑cause analysis of failures.
• Experience owning and executing test campaigns end‑to‑end, including CONOP, GSE design, instrumentation, test execution and data analysis.
• Proficiency in CAD software (Siemens NX) for reviewing designs and creating manufacturing/test documentation.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive the full lifecycle of assigned thermal control system test campaigns of moderate complexity — from CONOP and test plan development through GSE design, build, instrumentation, execution, data analysis, and closeout.
• Perform hands-on assembly, integration, instrumentation, and testing of thermal and fluid systems, ensuring compliance with engineering specs and safety standards.
• Develop and maintain detailed test plans, procedures, work instructions, and manufacturing plans with rigorous traceability across design, planning, execution, and data.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with thermal design, analysis, systems, integration, and manufacturing teams — and support suppliers — to inform manufacturability and testability.
• Investigate and resolve complex technical issues through root cause analysis, coordinating with technicians, engineers, and suppliers to implement corrective actions.
• Provide technical input in design and test reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and contribute to continuous improvement for test efficiency and data quality.
• Serve as a reliable technical contributor and informal mentor to junior engineers, helping shape best practices within the team.

Skills

Thermal/Fluid systems expertise

Test campaigns ownership

GSE/instrumentation/test equipment use

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or related

Tools

Siemens NX CAD

Job description

Vast Space Llc. in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Test Engineer, Thermal Control Systems to own end‑to‑end test campaigns and lead hands‑on assembly, instrumentation, and testing of thermal solutions for space habitats.

The role requires 5+ years in aerospace thermal systems, strong fluid handling and data analysis skills, and proficiency with Siemens NX for documentation and design reviews. This exempt, full‑time position offers extensive benefits.