Test Specialist

Vast is looking for a Test Specialist reporting to the Director of Structures & Mechanisms Test Team, assisting in development, qualification, and acceptance testing for the Haven-1 components and structure. This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail and excellent people skills.

This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities:

• Assists engineering with projects and test campaigns with instrumentation and DAQ support.
• Can setup and operate tests with engineering guidance.
• Consistently brings improvements to engineering with a plan to implement them.
• Setup structural and mechanisms tests for development, qualification, and acceptance test campaigns.
• Prepare test set-ups that may involve crane operations and assist in lifting operations.
• Work on problems of diverse or complex scope with minimal to no guidance.
• Make independent decisions and take action within established practices and procedures.
• Assist in updating test procedures and provide feedback to improve robustness/automation/duration.
• Troubleshoots DAQ and/or test setup issues and implements solutions.
• Assist engineering with test fixture design and implement best practices for DFM/T (Design for Manufacturability/Test).
• Review test requirements, RFQs (Request for Quote), SOWs (Statement of Work), etc. as it relates to testing and test equipment.
• Knowledge of running data logging and data processing.
• Has extensive knowledge of a variety of instrumentation (to include load cells, pressure transducers, strain gages, thermocouples, deflection transducers) and can recommend what should be used during testing to fulfil requirements.
• Can independently create and execute tasks/projects autonomously.
• Can find issues and implement solutions before they happen.
• Assists with training and mentoring less experienced team members.
• Can lead a group of 2 or more test technicians to complete a task or project.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Has prior experience in a specific testing field and electrical experience combined (3+years).
• HS Diploma or equivalency certificate.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Knowledge of running tests using manufacturing and operational procedure focused software.
• Experience setting up hydraulic load and structures testing for aerospace components/vehicles, or similar.
• Experience setting up leak and pneumatic pressure testing for aerospace components and vehicles, or similar.
• Proficient knowledge and skill working with various sensors (strain gauges, load cells, pressure transducers, thermocouples, etc.).
• Knowledge of PMS (Preventative Maintenance Schedule) of testing equipment.
• Knowledge of data acquisition systems (Analog inputs, analog output, digital inputs, digital outputs).
• Proficiency with relevant aerospace testing standards (SMC-S-016, MIL-STD-810G, GSFC-STD-7000B, etc.).
• Knowledge of Jira project management and Google apps: gmail, docs, sheets, slides, etc.
• Knowledge of maintaining calibrations of instrumentation devices (load cells, pressure transducers, power supplies, etc.).
• Knowledge of test equipment assembly and fabrication: hydraulic hoses, AN fittings with stainless steel hardline, unistrut, 80/20, etc.
• Knowledge of light fabrication skills (welding, machining, sheet metal, drilling, mill and lathe).

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.
• Ability to travel to Mojave Air and Space Port with short notice.
• Ability to to work from elevated heights and outdoor environments.