Avionics System Test Operations 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 a Avionics System Test Operations Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager, Avionics System Test, to support the development and operation of the automated testing 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:

Work with Responsible Engineers and System owners across the organization to capture test design criteria for avionics test systems

Lead test methodology discussions with key stakeholders (e.g. Flight Software, Mission Operations) to develop test procedures for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL / HIL) test assets

Develop system level test cases, implement them on test systems and validate their outputs with internal stakeholders

Day-to-day planning of system test operations, including

Perform troubleshooting and debug of avionics test systems

Perform checkout testing of system test assets and support sign-off reviews

Develop automation tools (e.g. python, ground software scripts) to increase efficiency and quality of test planning, test execution, data analysis, and verification tracking

Serve as first point of contact for anomaly resolution: documentation, driving root cause analysis, disposition, and prevent recurrence activities

Support Mission Operator training activities which utilize system test HITL assets

Support anomaly resolution activities for issues encountered on-orbit

Support design of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL / HIL) test assets to provide system level validation of Haven-1 avionics, including closed-loop simulation of relevant test cases

Work with subject matter experts to support development, implementation, and verification of interfaces to co-simulation strategies for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) applications

Produce documentation for test systems and support handover to test operators

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or other hard science

2+ years of post bachelor’s experience working with or developing hardware test systems

2+ years’ experience building and maintaining hardware test systems

Experience operating and maintaining Linux systems, including confident use of command line tools

Experience with power supplies, electronic loads, oscilloscopes, and digital multimeters

Experience designing and/or maintaining computer networks

Familiarity with basic electrical and wiring concepts including grounding and electrical safety

Demonstrated expertise in root cause analysis methodologies and problem-solving within avionics or complex hardware environments

Strong documentation skills, with the ability to produce detailed, accurate technical reports and communicate findings effectively

Familiarity with python programming

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Experience working with satellite communications or telemetry systems

Experience developing and executing requirement-driven test plans for avionics or electronics systems

Experience with automated test systems and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) environments

Familiarity with C++

Experience with embedded systems design and/or testing

Experience with testing protocols and standards relevant to space systems

Familiarity with Git, Cmake, and GNU tools

Knowledge of CI/CD and issue tracking tools such as the Atlassian Suite (JIRA, Bitbucket, Confluence) and Github

Familiarity with Docker (or other containerization software)

Experience designing and building systems with a modular DAQ ecosystem (e.g. NI, Weidmuller, Bechoff)

Additional Requirements:

Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones

Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted

Pay Range: California$121,100—$183,260 USD

We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.

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: 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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITYVast 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.