Staff Avionics Test Engineer

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 May 2026. 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 Staff Avionics Test Engineer , reporting to the Director of Avionics Testing , to support the development of the automated testing 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

• Design Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL / HIL) test assets to provide system level validation of Haven-1 avionics, including closed-loop simulation of relevant Use Cases
• Work with Responsible Engineers and System owners across the organization to capture test design criteria for avionics test systems
• Supervise Test Engineers and Technicians to build and commission HITL test systems
• Develop component and system level test cases, implement them on test systems and validate their outputs with internal stakeholders
• Work with subject matter experts to develop and implement interfaces to co-simulation strategies for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) applications
• Perform troubleshooting and debug of avionics test systems
• Lead test system design reviews for avionics test systems
• Lead and coach troubleshooting and debug efforts across the wider team
• Produce documentation for test systems and support handover to test operators
• Support architecting the automated test framework for Vast overall, and lead local efforts to implement on avionics test systems
• Serve as a mentor for junior engineers within the Avionics Test team, coordinating efforts of complex projects and tasks
• Serve as a stand-in for peer Staff Avionics Test Engineer responsible for avionics component test hardware

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Skills & Experience

Additional Requirements

Salary Range : California

160,000-$200,000 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 10 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.

Salary : $160,000 - $200,000