Test Technician (Second Shift)

Vast; City of Long Beach (NY); On-site; USD 39,950,400 - 64,747,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company equity

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Generous PTO

Meal benefits and subsidized meals

Job summary

Vast in Long Beach seeks a Test Technician (Second Shift) to support hypervelocity testing for human-rated space station concepts. You will set up high-speed imaging and sensors, prepare tests, document results, and ensure safety and maintenance of test equipment. The role requires collaboration with engineers and hands-on lab experience.

Calif. pay range is $29–$47/hour with benefits. Join Vast to contribute to mission-critical developments.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of hands-on testing or lab experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with ballistic or hypervelocity testing is preferred.
• Familiarity with high-speed imaging and data acquisition software.
• Knowledge of vacuum systems and pressurized equipment.
• Experience in aerospace/defense or research labs.
• CAD skills for fixture design and test setup.
• Excellent written and verbal technical communication.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hypervelocity impact tests using light gas gun and ballistic equipment.
• Set up, calibrate, and operate high-speed cameras and sensors.
• Prepare test specimens, sabots, and shielding configurations.
• Perform post-test inspections and document results with photos and measurements.
• Carry out risk assessments and pre-task briefings for tests.
• Maintain and service light gas guns and vacuum chambers.
• Follow safety checks and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Operate data acquisition systems and analyze test data.
• Keep detailed test logs, maintenance records, and inventory.
• Support test planning with input on equipment and schedules.
• Collaborate with engineers to troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Maintain clean, safe test facilities following 5S principles.

Skills

Hands-on testing experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Reading technical drawings

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

NX CAD

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Test Technician (Second Shift)

Reporting to the Supervisor, Structures Test, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space stations.

Location: Long Beach. Shift: 2pm to 10pm. Full-time, non-exempt.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hypervelocity impact tests using light gas gun and ballistic test equipment according to approved test plans and safety procedures
• Set up, calibrate, and operate high-speed cameras, pressure sensors, vacuum systems, and other diagnostic equipment for test operations
• Prepare test specimens, projectiles, sabots, and shielding configurations to precise specifications
• Perform post-test inspections and damage assessments, documenting results through photography, measurements, and detailed written reports
• Perform risk assessments, hazard analyses (JHAs/JHAs), and pre-task briefings prior to each test run
• Maintain and perform routine preventative maintenance on light gas guns, vacuum chambers, and associated test range equipment
• Execute all testing operations in strict compliance with range safety protocols, including pre-test safety checks following approved lockout/tagout procedures
• Operate data acquisition systems and process test data for engineering analysis
• Maintain accurate test logs, equipment maintenance records, and inventory of test materials and consumables
• Support test planning activities by providing technical input on equipment capabilities, test setup requirements, and schedule feasibility
• Collaborate with engineers and other technicians to troubleshoot equipment issues and improve test procedures
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe test facilities in accordance with 5S principles

Minimum Qualifications

• 1+ years of hands-on technical experience in testing, laboratory, manufacturing, or related field
• High school Diploma or equivalency certificate

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with ballistic testing, hypervelocity impact testing, or materials testing operation
• Familiarity with high-speed imaging systems and data acquisition software
• Knowledge of vacuum systems, pressure vessels, or pneumatic/hydraulic equipment
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or research laboratory environments
• Understanding of impact physics, ballistics, or materials science fundamentals
• Proficiency with CAD software (NX, SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for fixture design and test setup documentation
• Strong attention to detail with excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional team
• Logical problem-solving approach with ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical systems
• Self-motivated with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced development environment
• Demonstrated experience operating precision measurement instruments and mechanical test equipment
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and written procedures

Additional Requirements

• Occasional ability to travel
• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted

Pay Range: California $29 – $47 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

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.