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The NDE Level III Specialist leads and implements NDE procedures, mentors personnel, and conducts advanced inspections to ensure high quality in space station components.
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 2026. It is part of our stepping stone approach to continuous human presence in LEO. 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 currently seeking a Non-Destructive Evaluation Specialist, reporting to the Manager of NDE, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.
At Vast, the Quality organization is known for our inclusivity and interdisciplinary approach. The team is dedicated to delivering high-quality products through rigorous inspection of our flight components, assemblies, systems, and structures. As an NDE Level III Specialist, you will have the opportunity for extensive exposure, as the organization handles a wide range of NDT methodologies and inspections across our various space programs.Key responsibilities will include engaging with cross-functional teams, developing and implementing relevant inspection processes, training resources, and driving continuous improvement objectives. These efforts will play a vital role in shaping a future where billions of people can live and thrive in space.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Key Responsibilities:
- Program Leadership & Compliance
- Develop, implement, and maintain NDE procedures and inspection techniques in accordance with ASNT SNT-TC-1A, NAS-410, and other relevant codes and customer specifications.
- Administer the company’s NDE program, including oversight of processes, procedures, personnel certification, and compliance with internal and external quality standards.
- Serve as the final authority on interpretation of NDE-related specifications and acceptability of test results.
- Conduct internal audits and ensure quality assurance compliance across all NDE functions.
- Interface with internal teams and external customers to clarify inspection requirements and resolve technical disputes.
- Training, Certification & Team Support
- Develop, recommend, and lead training programs for Level I and Level II personnel in both classroom and shop floor settings.
- Mentor technicians , emphasizing appropriate application and limitations of each.
- Oversee personnel qualification and certification per written practice.
- Ensure knowledge transfer of current methods and integration of emerging technologies.
- Hands-On Inspection & Technical Execution
- Perform inspections as needed to support production, R&D, or urgent customer deliverables.
- Review and interpret engineering drawings and specifications to define inspection strategy and ensure manufacturing compliance.
- Evaluate and document inspection results; communicate findings clearly to Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams.
- Troubleshoot and correct technical issues in inspection methods or interpretation, ensuring effective process flow.
- Process Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Research, recommend, and implement new inspection tools, automation, and data systems to improve throughput and reduce cost.
- Level 2: Qualify processes per NASA-STD-5009 or similar industry standards
- Drive strategic improvements in inspection techniques, data analysis, and system integration to enable next-generation manufacturing processes.
- Continuously evaluate existing NDE processes to ensure optimal inspection strategies are in use and scalable for growth.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to align inspection capabilities with evolving product demands, ensuring appropriate methods are applied throughout the lifecycle.
- Research, recommend, and implement new inspection tools, automation, and data systems to improve throughput and reduce cost.
- Customer & Cross-Team Communication
- Act as the primary NDE liaison with customers, regulatory bodies, and vendors as needed.
- Level 2: Directly support customer design and process reviews.
- Participate in supplier visits and customer audits to support inspection deliverables and quality assurance.
- Provide regular updates on NDE project status, capability readiness, and program risks to stakeholders.
- Advise management on innovations and developments that impact cost, schedule, quality, or customer satisfaction.
- Act as the primary NDE liaison with customers, regulatory bodies, and vendors as needed.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- Must hold one of the following:
- NDT level II certification inline with ASNT TC-1A/NAS-410 guidance in penetrant testing (PT)
- NDT level II certification inline with ASNT-TC-1A/NAS-410 guidance in eddy current testing (ET)
- NDT level II certification inline with ASNT-TC-1A/NAS-410 guidance in ultrasonic testing (UT), including phased array ultrasonic (PAUT)
- Specialist: 5+ years of experience as a NDT Level II Technician/Inspector
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- 10+ years functioning as a Level III in two or more methods
- 20+ years of NDE experience managing and interacting with RT, UT, ET, VT, PT methodologies
- Knowledge of basic Standards such as; AS, AMS, AWS, NAS, ASME, ASTM
- Certifications
- T5: NDT Level III certification inline with ASNT-TC-1A/NAS-410 or an AWS CWI
- T6: Multiple NDT Level III certifications inline with ASNT-TC-1A/NAS-410
- Sr. Specialist: 8+ years of experience as a NDT Level II Technician/Inspector and 3+ years of experience as a NDT Level III Technician/Inspector
Additional Requirements:
- Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
Pay Range
- NDE Specialist I (T5): $93,000 - $130,000
- NDE Specialist II (T6): $111,500 - $160,000
Pay Range: California
$93,000—$160,000 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, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.
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.
Top Skills
Eddy Current Testing (Et)
Olympus Epoch 600
Olympus Tomoview
Penetrant Testing (Pt)
Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (Paut)
Ultrasonic Testing (Ut)
Uniwest/Nortec Eddy Current Machines
Utex Inspectionware
Vast Long Beach, California, USA Office
2851 Orange Ave, Long Beach, CA, United States, 90755
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