Test Engineer II/III

Vast’s Environmental Testing Team supports ongoing testing for our Orbiter spacecraft as well as advancing the development of our Haven-1 space station module!

As a Test Engineer you will be responsible for planning, executing and analyzing environmental tests to accept and qualify our vehicles, various subsystems, or in-house manufactured components. You will work closely with the Orbiter and Haven design REs, test technicians, and other teams such as Avionics, Manufacturing, and GNC to ensure design/mission requirements and industry standards are met. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Define test requirements, environmental conditions, and instrumentation/equipment needed in collaboration with Design REs, engineering management, and/or other stakeholders
• Develop/Update test plans, procedures, and timelines for testing campaigns 
• Design, Develop and/or oversee fabrication of test fixtures as needed.
• Lead and execute tests with the help of test technicians, test engineers, or design REs
• Collect and reduce data to determine if requirements are met.  Generate test reports to the team and stakeholders in 'non jargon' language such that everyone can understand.
• Document and continually improve upon procedures and processes to ensure tests meet industry standards, safety needs, and reflect test stand updates
• Collaboration and communication with Orbiter and Haven engineering teams, technicians, management, and cross-functional teams 
• Provide feedback and/or aid in the PMP (Preventative Maintenance Plan) and expansion of the testing team’s equipment and testing facilities 

Required Skills and Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of previous experience in aerospace testing or a similar role is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of test standards and procedures (SMC-S-016, GEVS, 91-710, MIL-STD-810, etc.  )
• Experience planning and leading vibration testing, thermal testing, or system level test campaigns 
• Proficiency in using test equipment and instrumentation
• Solid understanding of aerospace systems, components, and materials.
• Data analysis programming/software (with MATLAB, python, excel, DIAdem, etc.).
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems and sensor/ actuator integration to DAQ equipment (NI, Dewesoft, etc.)
• Sensor calibration (pressure transmitters, TCs, strain gauges, etc).
• Ability to read and create Plumbing & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently or in a team environment.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility to work overtime or adapt to a varying schedule
• Experience working with/and or around flight hardware 
• Work with outside test labs and assist technicians during testing when required

Desirable Skills and Experience: 

• Experience designing and manufacturing test fixtures for pressure, vibration or thermal testing
• Proficient in CAD (SOLIDWORKS or Siemens NX preferred).
• Proficient in LabView or similar data acquisition programming
• Hands-on experience with fluid systems 
• Fabrication, welding, CNC machining, and 3D printing (plastic, metal).
• Exhibit the ability to think ‘outside the box’ to solve problems.
• Ability to multitask and switch between priorities in a relativity short period of time.
• Experience with Confluence/JIRA/PLM (Teamcenter)
• Experience with Factory OS (Operating Systems) like ION
• Rudimentary electronics experience, e.g. soldering, wire-harnessing, etc.