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Develop and support systems for artificial-gravity human-rated space stations, working on data acquisition, controls, test plans, and mentoring engineers.
At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations 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. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. 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, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. 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 Automation & Controls Engineer reporting to the Sr. Manager, Controls & Automation, 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 Long Beach location.
Responsibilities:
- Own architecting the automated test framework for Vast overall, and lead the implementation of cross-functional testing across the company
- Adhere to, enforce, and improve the test processes and good practices of Vast and the test organization
- Own design, build, and commission facilities, and vehicle level DAQ systems. This includes the manufacture of new test stands and/or operation of existing resources
- Work with responsible engineers to design, prepare, and execute test campaigns. This includes the manufacture of new test stands and/or operation of existing resources
- Perform all necessary design, analysis, and project management
- Conduct PDR (Preliminary Design Review) and/or CDR (Critical Design Review) and TRR (Test Readiness Review) before all design/tests are started
- Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to creatively solve complex fluid system problems to save cost and schedule while improving overall quality and safety
- Document and provide resolution to non-conformances and collaborate with the quality team to implement root cause corrective actions
- Mentor other engineers and technicians on the team
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, similar field
- 5+ years of related engineering experience
- 5+ years of experience in one or more languages (Python, C#, C++, JS, ST, etc.)
- Experience with software product development. Full lifecycle experience preferred.
- Front end development experience (React, Angular, NiceGui, etc)
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Experience working with PLC hardware and Software i.e. Beckhoff, Allen Bradley, CodeSys, or NI; Beckhoff preferred
- Experience planning and executing engineering operations in a time-sensitive and high-risk environment.
- Familiarity with CI/CD in an industrial environment.
- Hands on hardware integration and testing experience
- Working knowledge of supporting engineering skills (wire harnessing, electrical diagrams, signal processing)
- Experience writing and executing test plans/procedures in collaboration with design engineers and providing go/no-go judgment and rationale
- Experience with designing and implementing instrumentation systems
- Experience working across engineering groups to define requirements and implement solutions
- Experience with SVN, GIT, or other version management systems
- Experience with JIRA and/or Confluence
Additional Requirements:
- Must be able to travel with vehicle for test support (10%- travel)
- Must be able to work varying hours/shifts and available for extended hours as well as weekends when needed
- Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and be able to maneuver in tight spaces; physically able to handle items weighing up to 25lbs (unassisted)
- Ability and desire to perform in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment
Pay Range:
- Automation & Controls Engineer II: $121,100 - $156,800
- Senior Automation & Controls Engineer: $141,300 - $183,260
Pay Range: California
$121,100—$183,260 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, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, 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 & onsite barista, 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
Beckhoff
C#
C++
Cdaq
Crio
Dewesoft
Ni Pxi
Node.js
Python
React
Vast Long Beach, California, USA Office
2851 Orange Ave, Long Beach, CA, United States, 90755
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