Director, Fluid Systems Test

VAST · Los Angeles

Mechanical & Aerospaceposted 3mo ago

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 seeking an experienced and highly driven Director, Fluid Systems Test, reporting to the Vice President of Fluid Systems, to lead the strategy, execution, and scaling of fluids test operations supporting the development of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations and supporting spacecraft systems.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in fluid systems testing, infrastructure development, high-risk operations, and organizational leadership within fast-paced aerospace or complex hardware development environments.

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

Responsibilities

Lead the Fluids Test organization responsible for component, subsystem, and integrated system development and qualification testing across propulsion, thermal control systems, ECLSS, pressurized systems, and spacecraft fluid distribution hardware
Develop and execute the long-term fluids test strategy supporting Haven-1 and future spacecraft programs from early development through qualification, supporting integration and flight readiness
Build, mentor, and scale a multidisciplinary organization of test engineers, technicians, operations specialists, controls engineers, and infrastructure teams
Oversee the design, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of fluids test stands, pressure systems, cryogenic systems, vacuum systems, and supporting ground infrastructure
Define and drive integrated test campaigns validating system performance, reliability, operational readiness, and human-rated safety requirements
Partner closely with Propulsion, Thermal, ECLSS, Structures, Avionics, GNC, Manufacturing, Systems Engineering, and Mission Operations teams to align test objectives, verification strategies, and development schedules
Establish rigorous engineering and operational processes for instrumentation, controls integration, data acquisition, calibration, configuration management, and test reporting
Lead test readiness reviews, operational procedure development, hazard analyses, and safety reviews for high-risk fluid, cryogenic, and pressurized system operations
Drive root cause investigations, anomaly resolution, corrective actions, and failure analysis efforts arising from integrated test campaigns and system performance issues
Develop organizational metrics, operational visibility tools, and infrastructure planning strategies to improve test throughput, utilization, reliability, and schedule predictability
Manage facility utilization, capital equipment planning, operational budgets, staffing forecasts, and long-range infrastructure investments
Support acceptance testing, spacecraft integration activities, launch site operations, and mission readiness testing as programs progress toward flight operations
Help establish the operational philosophy, safety standards, and verification methodologies for future human-rated spacecraft fluid systems and integrated test operations
Foster a culture of technical excellence, urgency, accountability, ownership, collaboration, and safety-first execution across the organization

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
10+ years of experience in aerospace, military and defense, launch vehicle, spacecraft, propulsion, or complex fluid systems testing environments
5+ years of technical leadership or people management experience leading engineering or test organizations
Experience developing, operating, or scaling fluid, propulsion, thermal, cryogenic, pneumatic, or pressurized system test infrastructure
Strong understanding of instrumentation systems, data acquisition (DAQ), controls integration, automation systems, and test operations
Experience leading high-risk operations involving hazardous fluids, cryogenic systems, pressure systems, or oxygen-compatible systems
Demonstrated success leading integrated test campaigns under aggressive hardware development schedules
Experience partnering cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, systems engineering, quality, and operations organizations
Strong analytical, operational decision-making, root cause investigation, and troubleshooting skills
Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to present technical and programmatic updates to executive leadership

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting human-rated spacecraft, launch vehicles, or advanced aerospace development programs
Familiarity with NASA, aerospace, military, or commercial spaceflight fluid systems testing standards and operational practices
Experience with propulsion hot-fire testing, thermal vacuum testing, integrated environmental testing, or spacecraft acceptance testing
Knowledge of cryogenic systems, oxygen systems, hypergolic fluid handling, pressurized systems, or life support fluid systems
Experience scaling test infrastructure and operations in fast-paced hardware development environments
Background supporting launch campaigns, mission operations, vehicle integration, or flight certification activities
Experience building large-scale engineering or operations organizations supporting critical test infrastructure
Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed during critical test campaigns and program milestones
Ability to travel occasionally in support of suppliers, test sites, integration activities, and launch operations

Pay Range: California

$203,360—$288,672 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 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: 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.