Staff Test Engineer, Thermal Control Systems

Vast is looking for a Staff Test Engineer, Thermal Control Systems, reporting to the Manager, Thermal Test Engineering, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

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

Responsibilities: 

• Lead definition of hardware/software best practices and standardization for the wider test engineering organization.
• Own and drive the full lifecycle of assigned thermal control system test campaigns, from early concept development through execution, data analysis, and closeout, supporting both near-term and long-term space habitat missions.
• Act as a go-to technical resource and mentor, helping develop talent while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and data integrity.
• Collaborate closely with thermal design, analysis, systems, integration, and manufacturing teams to provide input on manufacturability, assembly, and testability of thermal hardware, including tubing, heat exchangers, cold plates, pumps, valves, heaters, and MLI.
• Lead cross-functional test initiatives and scoped projects, delivering everything from analytical assessments and case studies to the design, build, and instrumentation of complex, high-fidelity test environments and ground support equipment (GSE).
• Perform hands-on assembly, integration, instrumentation, and testing of thermal and fluid systems, ensuring compliance with engineering specifications, safety protocols, and industry standards.
• Develop, document, and maintain detailed test plans, CONOPs, procedures, work instructions, and manufacturing plans to ensure consistent, traceable, and repeatable execution of thermal system testing and assembly activities.
• Establish and enforce rigorous test traceability, documenting all phases of design, planning, execution, and post-processed data to ensure alignment with subsystem performance requirements and program-level milestones.
• Tackle complex technical challenges by performing deep root cause investigations, coordinating with technicians, engineers, suppliers, and leadership to implement robust, long-lasting corrective actions.
• Serve as a technical authority with suppliers, leading reviews and approvals of manufacturing and test processes to ensure timely delivery of high-quality thermal control components and test hardware.
• Provide senior technical input in design and test reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.), shaping decisions to improve manufacturability, testability, reliability, and overall system performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying systemic opportunities to improve test efficiency, manufacturing yield, data quality, and overall program execution, and by influencing adoption across teams.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 15+ years of experience across thermal systems, fluid systems, manufacturing engineering, and/or test engineering in aerospace or similarly demanding environments.
• Strong foundation in fluid systems, including fluid mechanics, system design, P&IDs, test instrumentation and fittings, safety protocols, and troubleshooting methodologies.
• Experience developing test automation and data review tools for hardware test environments, including test execution, data acquisition, and post-test analysis.
• Demonstrated experience owning and executing complex test campaigns, from objective definition and CONOP development through GSE design, build, instrumentation, test execution, and data analysis.
• Proficiency in CAD software (such as Siemens NX) for reviewing designs, creating manufacturing and test documentation, and supporting hardware development.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional engineering initiatives and drive projects to on-time completion in fast-paced environments.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Hands-on experience developing, testing, or operating systems that utilize supercritical fluids, including an understanding of associated thermal, mechanical, and safety considerations.
• Advanced GD&T expertise, with experience creating, reviewing, and approving engineering drawings and ensuring intent is correctly translated into manufactured hardware.
• Deep technical understanding of thermal control hardware manufacturing and assembly processes, including fluid tubing, heat exchangers, cold plates, and MLI, with the ability to identify and resolve manufacturability risks.
• Experience leading and executing high-pressure and LN2 test operations, including serving as test conductor and providing technical oversight to test operators.
• Strong familiarity with aerospace test standards and codes (e.g., SMC-S-016, ASME B31.3), with demonstrated ability to interpret, apply, and enforce requirements in real-world test environments.
• Thorough understanding of the aerospace test lifecycle, including PDR, CDR, TRR, ATP, QTP, and related program milestones, with experience influencing technical decisions at each phase.
• Deep knowledge of data acquisition systems, sensor selection, signal diagnostics, and data analysis techniques, with the ability to assess data quality and guide others in proper implementation.
• Experience with paints, coatings, adhesives, and contamination-sensitive processes in an aerospace environment, including the ability to assess impacts to thermal and system performance.
• Multidisciplinary technical capability, with recognized depth in a primary discipline and effective working knowledge across controls, electronics, wiring, and instrumentation.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends as needed to support critical test campaigns and mission milestones.