Spacecraft Materials Test Specialist I

Socket.dev; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 56,867,000 - 166,194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

401(k)

On-site meals

Paid time off

Job summary

Vast is seeking a Materials Test Specialist I to support materials testing, characterization, and qualification activities for human-rated spacecraft and space station hardware at our Long Beach, California facility.

This hands-on role reports to the M&P Supervisor Materials Testing and involves preparing samples, operating test equipment, and collecting data in a laboratory environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 5+ years of experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, testing, inspection, quality, or other hands-on technical environment.
• Experience following written technical procedures, work instructions, or test specifications.
• Ability to accurately collect, document, and communicate technical data.
• Basic proficiency using hand tools, measurement equipment, and/or laboratory equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on materials testing and characterization in support of spacecraft development, qualification, and production.
• Prepare, label, track, and document material specimens and test samples according to established procedures and specifications.
• Set up and operate laboratory test equipment used to evaluate mechanical, thermal, physical, and environmental material properties.
• Support testing of metals, polymers, adhesives, coatings, composites, elastomers, and other materials used in spacecraft hardware.
• Execute testing according to engineering test plans, work instructions, ASTM standards, NASA standards, and internal specifications.
• Collect, organize, and document test data while ensuring accuracy, traceability, and proper configuration control.
• Assist Materials & Processes engineers with material qualification and process validation testing.
• Perform routine inspection and measurement of test specimens using laboratory and dimensional inspection equipment.
• Support environmental testing activities including thermal cycling, vacuum compatibility/outgassing, flammability, and other spacecraft-specific material evaluations.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, tooling, fixtures, consumables, and test areas to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Identify unexpected test results, equipment issues, or material nonconformances and escalate findings to the appropriate engineering team.
• Assist with failure investigations and root-cause analysis by preparing samples and supporting material characterization activities.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, test logs, equipment calibration status, and material traceability documentation.
• Work closely with Materials & Processes, Manufacturing, Quality, Design Engineering, and Production teams to support hardware development and build schedules.
• Follow all applicable safety procedures when handling chemicals, materials, test equipment, and laboratory processes.
• Support continuous improvement of laboratory procedures, test methods, fixtures, and workflows.

Skills

Lab testing

Data collection

Documentation

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Universal testing machines

Hardness testers

Environmental chambers

Job description

Vast is seeking a Materials Test Specialist I to support materials testing, characterization, and qualification activities for human-rated spacecraft and space station hardware at our Long Beach, California facility.

This hands-on role reports to the M&P Supervisor Materials Testing and involves preparing samples, operating test equipment, and collecting data in a laboratory environment.