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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 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:

Develop flexible end-to-end data acquisition and controls stack (hardware and software) supporting testing across Vast’s engineering teams.
Develop robust DAQ system supporting on-vehicle checkouts, controls software, fluids, instrumentation, and high-pressure testing.
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.
Produce professional and traceable documentation, electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation schematics of the test systems.
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.
Collaborate with the distributed engineering organizations to define and manage test plans, requirements, and schedules.
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.
4+ years of related engineering experience.
Coding proficiency in one or more languages (Python, C#, C++, ST, etc.).
Experience working with DAQ hardware and Software i.e. NI PXI, cRIO, cDAQ, Dewesoft, or Beckhoff; Beckhoff preferred.
Hands on hardware integration and testing experience.
Working knowledge of supporting engineering skills (wire harnessing, electrical diagrams, signal processing).
Experience working with technicians and running multi person operations.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Experience planning and executing engineering operations in a time-sensitive and high-risk environment.
Front end development experience (Node.js, React, etc).
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 operating / working with high-pressure gas systems.
Experience in structural design and analysis of test fixtures.
Experience working across engineering groups to define requirements and implement solutions.
Perform structured root cause analysis of test failures.
Experience designing and/or working with closed-loop control systems such as high pressure fluid systems.
Experience generating test system P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram) using Visio / Lucidchart or equivalent.
Experience with SVN, GIT, or other version management systems.
Experience with JIRA and/or Confluence.
Experience with selection of precision sensor and measurement devices.

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 BENEFITSBase 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.