Senior Welder, Mojave

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 Senior Welder, reporting to the Director of E-2 Engineering, to support the Mojave Test Site Team and test stands. This site will support the propulsion and structural test goals of the E-2 liquid rocket engine and Haven programs. This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Mojave location. We have the ambitious goal for E-2 to be the world’s highest-performing engine for small launchers, while optimized for mass production and low cost. You will be a key team member helping complete the development of our E-2 engine towards a completed and reliable high-performance product.

Responsibilities:

Weld, assemble, and fabricate various fluid systems and various sub-assembly components

Use GTAW, SMAW, or GMAW welding processes depending on the application

Use precision calibrated tools – torque wrenches, micrometers and calipers

Perform work according to procedures, specifications and test instructions

Read and interpret technical drawings, and follow detailed work instructions

Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment

Operate forklifts, cranes and heavy equipment

Perform blending, filing and shearing of sheet metal piece parts

Build out the Launcher E-2 Test Stand for full engine testing and maintaining the stand

Receive E-2 engines and support test stand installation and integration

Support work to complete and activate test stands

Communicate effectively with the team to regularly provide updates on progress and issues

Minimum Qualifications:

4+ years of experience with TIG welding

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Preferred Skills & Experience:

6+ years of experience in welding with one or more of the following materials: stainless steel, carbon steel, Inconel, aluminum, copper or titanium

Experience with aerospace TIG welding

Highly proficient in tube (small and large diameter up to 6") cutting grinding and fabrication

Proficient in blue print reading and lay out, P&IDs and schematics

Knowledge and experience completing welds that pass visual before being X-rayed or dye penned

Certification with AWS D17.1 and D1.2

Experience with overhead cranes and forklifts

Ability to work as a teammate and independently to achieve ambitious goals

Ability to make independent judgments with limited information

Communication skills for relaying data (verbally and in-writing) between other employees, vendors, and customers

Logical and strategic approach to solving problems

Comfortable working in a high-stress environment balancing several projects at any given time, and the flexibility to adjust for abrupt changes in strategic direction

Additional Requirements:

Able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted

Able to stand for extended periods – 8+ hours

Able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces

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

Must be able to work in extreme temperatures, ranging from 20F to 120F, outdoor

Willingness to to support critical mission milestones

Occasional Saturday and weekend support when necessary

Salary Range: California

$36—$50 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.