Quality Inspector

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 Quality/Receiving Inspector (1st and 2nd Shift), reporting to the Manager, Quality, to support the development and production of hardware for our human-rated space systems. This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located at our Long Beach facility.

Responsibilities

• Perform receiving, in-process, and final inspections on components, subassemblies, and integrated hardware to verify compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, and quality requirements.
• Inspect mechanical, structural, electrical, and/or manufactured hardware for workmanship, configuration, dimensional accuracy, and conformance to requirements.
• Use standard inspection and measurement equipment including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, thread gauges, pin gauges, borescopes, torque tools, and other precision measurement equipment.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and inspection plans to determine acceptance criteria.
• Verify dimensional features, hardware installation, fasteners, torque requirements, surface conditions, and overall workmanship as applicable.
• Support production and integration activities by performing inspections throughout the manufacturing and assembly process.
• Identify, document, and communicate nonconformances and work cross-functionally with Quality, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams to support disposition and resolution.
• Accurately document inspection results and maintain required quality and traceability records.
• Support First Article Inspections (FAI) and other inspection activities as required.
• Maintain inspection equipment and ensure tools are within calibration requirements prior to use.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment while adhering to FOD control, contamination prevention, and applicable safety requirements.
• Communicate inspection status, quality concerns, and production risks to supervisors and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to inspection methods, workmanship, quality processes, and production efficiency.
• Train and mentor inspectors and technicians on inspection techniques, workmanship standards, and proper use of inspection equipment as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 5+ years of quality inspection experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, manufacturing, or another high-reliability production environment.
• Experience performing dimensional and visual inspection of manufactured or assembled hardware.
• Experience using precision measurement and inspection equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately document inspection results.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with technicians, engineers, manufacturing teams, and other inspectors.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience inspecting aerospace or other high-reliability flight hardware.
• Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience inspecting machined components, welded assemblies, structures, tube assemblies, electrical/avionics hardware (IPC-610/620), or mechanical assemblies. 
• Familiarity with fastener installation, torque verification, thread inspection, surface condition evaluation, and general manufacturing processes.
• Experience with First Article Inspection (FAI) and AS9102 documentation.
• Familiarity with AS9100 or other regulated quality management systems.
• Experience identifying and documenting nonconforming hardware and supporting Material Review Board (MRB) processes.
• Experience with inspection plans, workmanship standards, and configuration-controlled manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to advanced metrology equipment such as CMMs, portable measurement arms, laser trackers, optical measurement systems, or similar equipment.
• Experience working in a fast-paced production or hardware development environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make sound inspection decisions with limited supervision.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work 1st or 2nd shift based on business needs.
• Willingness to work evenings, overtime, and/or weekends to support critical production and mission milestones.
• Must be able to pass a background check and gain access to government facilities as required.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted.
• Must be willing to travel up to 10%.
• Must be able to climb ladders, stoop, bend, crawl, and work in tight spaces as required.

Pay Range: California$33—$53 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.