Propulsion Test Engineer

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.

Headquartered in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

Vast is looking for an Propulsion Test Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager, Engineering (E-2), 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 Mojave location. 

Responsibilities: 

• Sit on console as Test Conductor and Test Director running hotfires of the E-2 LOX/Kerosene oxidizer-rich staged combustion engine. 
• Plan and lead hazardous operations including work with high pressures and cryogenic fluids.
• Assist in driving engine development, qualification, and acceptance test campaigns to completion.
• Author and maintain test procedures, sequences, and configuration files for hazardous operations.
• Support Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs). 
• Work side by side with the test stand technicians during fabrication of test stand hardware and integration of test articles.
• Work on projects to design and modify fluid and electrical systems on the engine test stands.
• Troubleshoot fluid, mechanical, electrical, and software related systems on the test stands.  
• Implement continuous improvements to improve safety and test site productivity.