Mechanical Test Engineer II

Vast is looking for a Mechanical Test Engineer II, reporting to the Manager, Test Engineering, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space stations.

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

Responsibilities: 

• Design, build, and operate test rigs and GSE for ECLSS fluid, chemical, and electrical control systems, owning specific hardware test campaigns from setup through execution, data collection, and analysis
• Perform hands-on assembly, integration, instrumentation, and testing of ECLSS hardware spanning fluid systems, chemical subsystems, and electrical controls (pumps, valves, sensors, tubing, controls hardware) at operating pressures generally lower than thermal control test systems, including troubleshooting components and supporting root cause investigations of anomalies
• Develop and maintain test procedures, work instructions, and hardware-specific documentation, ensuring test traceability across planning, execution, and post-test data review
• Support Haven-1 flight hardware by contributing to Acceptance and Qualification Test Campaigns and conduct development/R&D testing on ECLSS module and CLD-derived hardware to inform design maturity and manufacturability
• Design test fixtures, wiring diagrams/schematics, and DAQ setups, and collaborate closely with ECLSS Manufacturing Engineers, Responsible Engineers (REs), Test Technicians, and the Controls and Automation team to ensure test setups reflect design intent and meet production-level testing needs
• Contribute to the team's transition from R&D-level testing toward standardized, production-ready test processes, provide technical input during test readiness reviews, and support continuous improvement efforts that boost test efficiency and data quality

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering
• Hands-on experience with fluid and/or chemical systems, including fittings, valves, pumps, and sensors, with a working understanding of pressure systems
• Demonstrated ability to build, operate, and troubleshoot test rigs and hardware, from setup through data collection
• Ability to create test documentation — procedures and work instructions — and maintain test traceability from planning through execution

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• CAD experience (e.g., Siemens NX) for reviewing designs and creating test/manufacturing documentation
• Programming experience (e.g., Python) for test automation and data analysis/review tools
• Prior hands-on experience building and managing test campaigns or hardware development from concept through execution
• Familiarity with Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentrations (SMACs) and their application to human-spaceflight air-quality assessment, contaminant control, and test-data interpretation
• Experience safely handling chemicals and executing chemical testing, including preparing solutions, operating relevant instrumentation, following SDS requirements, and managing chemical storage and waste disposal

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted