Instrumentation and Controls Technician

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in August 2025. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.

Vast is looking for a Instrumentation and Controls Technician, reporting to the Associate Director, Mojave Test Site, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations and the E-2 LOX/Kerosene oxidizer-rich staged combustion engine. This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located at our Mojave Test Site location.

Responsibilities:

Build and maintain test facility, including Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE), wire harnesses and instrumentation and control junction boxes.

Work alongside engineers to build, test, and maintain electrical systems on rocket engines and rocket engine test stands.

Work on test pad to perform cold flows, hot fire testing, and other hazardous operations

Troubleshoot, install, and calibrate various instruments, including ultrasonic level transmitters, flow meters, pressure transducers, thermocouple and resistance temperature devices, differential pressure transducers, strain gauges, accelerometers and microphones

Utilizes a wide range of test equipment, including PLCs, National Instruments hardware, oscilloscopes, data analyzers, digital multi-meters, and other test equipment, while performing tests to identify problems and to maintain and calibrate equipment to performance standards

Fabricate wire harnesses in accordance with IPC 620 standards.

Ability to conduct test operations in the field for extended period of time

Ability to operate or learn to operate heavy machinery (Forklift, All-terrain Forklift, overhead equipment, etc.)

Implement continuous improvements to improve safety and test site productivity.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

3+ years of aerospace or industrial process, instrumentation and controls experience

2+ years of experience using electronics equipment (e.g. programmable power supplies, DMMs, oscilloscopes, etc.)

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Read & interpret Plumbing and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)

Ability to correctly interpret complex electrical schematics

Ability to acclimate to frequently changing assignments and a fast-paced working environment

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, along with effective teamwork abilities

Qualifications in NASA STD 8739.4, IPC-620, or J-STD-001

Previous experience in aerospace electrical fabrication or maintenance

Experience with 4-20mA loop devices

Familiarity with Daniels Manufacturing tooling.

Additional Requirements:

Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones

Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted

Salary Range: California

$23—$35 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: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 15 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, free catered meals and snacks and beverages, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.

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.