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 Sensor Development Engineer reporting to the acting Director, ECLSS and collaborating heavily with our Avionics team to support the development of the sensor systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. You will lead and build out our in-house sensor development, sensor selection, and procurement.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities

• Responsible for cradle-to-grave design, development, manufacture, and test of sensors and sensor systems specifically designed for Life Support Systems on the Haven-1 commercial space station, including O2 sensing, CO2 sensing, smoke/fire detection, and water quality and trace contaminant monitoring
• Architect new test infrastructure, complete data analysis/review, and interface with system owners
• Coordinate and execute acceptance and qualification testing of sensors
• Interface with sensor vendors for the selection of sensors for given applications
• Collect and document sensor requirements to communicate to vendors
• Work across teams (systems, integration, dynamics, guidance, etc.) to ensure appropriate sensors are developed to meet vehicle requirements
• Participate in design reviews
• Investigate sensor failures and communicate/execute recommended actions

Minimum Qualifications

• 5 years of experience and/or Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 2 years of experience in sensor design/development

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Comfortable working in a rapidly changing, high-stress environment balancing several projects at any given time
• Unfazed by sudden changes in strategic business direction

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted

Salary Range: California
$145,000—$170,000 USD
Compensation And BenefitsBase 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 STATUSThe 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 OPPORTUNITYVast 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.