Fluid Test Technician

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 Fluid Test Technician, reporting to the Supervisor, Integration, to support the development of the systems required for the build and test of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

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

Responsibilities: 

• Build and test high-pressure fluid and gas systems on Haven-1 vehicle and test articles
• Perform vehicle fluid system functional checks, high-pressure proof and leak tests, and hazardous operations
• Build and maintain test facilities, GSE, propellant, high-pressure, and cryogenic systems
• Troubleshoot and perform maintenance on fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems
• Conduct field test operations including high-pressure system operation, fluid fill/drain/handling, and sensor monitoring
• Read and interpret Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
• Execute aerospace integration practices including safety cabling, helicoil installation, and fastener/fitting torque
• Operate heavy machinery (forklift, overhead equipment, etc.)
• Implement continuous improvements to increase safety and test site productivity
• Adhere to, enforce, and improve test processes and best practices
• Work alongside engineers to build, test, and maintain fluid systems

Minimum Qualifications:

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

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• 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:

• Ability to travel for vehicle test support (20%) including extended travel (up to 1 month) for final vehicle test
• Ability to work overtime, varying hours, shifts, and weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces; physically able to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment

Pay Range:

• Fluid Test Technician I: $22.00-32.00/hr
• Fluid Test Technician II: 29.00-41.00/hr
• Fluid Test Technician III: $33.00-47.00/hr
• Senior Fluid Test Technician: $40.00-56.00/hr

Pay Range: California$22—$56 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.