Sensor Life Support Systems Engineer - Sensors

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 August 2025. 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(n) Senior Life Support Systems Engineer - Sensors , reporting to the Director of Life Support Systems ,  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: 

• Responsible for life support sensors for the control, monitoring, and response of the air revitalization system.
• Strong understanding of sensor theory, operation, outputs, data acquisition/analysis, error analysis, and failure modes.
• Proactive problem-solving skills such as failure analysis, root cause investigation, and design of experiment creation
• Experience with best practices of avionics manufacturing and test.
• Interface with sensor vendors for the selection of sensors for given applications.
• Perform hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of components, ensuring compliance with engineering specifications and industry standards.
• Experience with environmental testing standards, including vibration, thermal, pressure, EMI/EMC, and radiation.
• Participate in design reviews, providing valuable insights to improve the performance and reliability of sensor systems.
• Proactive problem-solving skills such as failure analysis, root cause investigation, and design of experiment creation

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience working with fluid or environmental control systems or components.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Comfortable working in a rapidly changing, high-stress environment balancing several projects at any given time.
• Strong understanding of fluid systems.
• Experience working with sensors, controls, and data acquisition systems.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to perform root cause analysis.
• Hands-on experience with testing and troubleshooting fluids components and electrical systems is desirable.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones

Pay Range:  

• Flight Software Engineer L2: $130,000-$165,000
• Senior Flight Software Engineer L3: $155,000-$190,000

Salary Range: California $135,000—$170,000 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 15 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, free catered meals and snacks and beverages, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.

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.