Senior Controls & Automation Engineer

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 May 2026. 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 Controls & Automation Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager of Station Testing, 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 and maintain a data acquisition and controls stack to support a wide range of partnering test teams at the Long Beach site-creating software tools and setting standards for test assets and practices.
• Design, implement, and own complex control systems for testing space-rated hardware, with responsibility for both hardware and software components.
• Contribute to the architecture of the test data pipeline, ensuring end-to-end data traceability, integrity, and reliability. Working closely with our Ground Software, networking and IT teams.
• Collaborate across disciplines-including software, thermal, manufacturing, propulsion, ECLSS, and mechanical test teams-to drive robust testing practices, gather upgrade requests, and define new capabilities for the test stack.
• Troubleshoot and debug test assets to resolve issues quickly and ensure optimal test system performance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 5+ years of applied experience with programmable logic controllers or similar embedded systems.
• Working knowledge of supporting engineering skills (Wire Harnessing, electrical diagrams, signal processing)

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• 5+ years of experience with TwinCat programming and Beckhoff hardware.
• Understanding of various programming languages (Python, C/C++, Rust, etc.)
• Execution experience of the processes behind spaceflight testing (ATP/QTP)
• 4+ years of professional experience rapidly designing highly reliable products.
• 5+ years of professional experience testing, troubleshooting and debugging mechanical and electrical issues.
• Hands-on skills (Wiring, Machining, Soldering, Fabricating)

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted

Pay Range:

• Senior Controls and Automation Engineer: $135,000 - $170,000
• Staff Controls and Automation Engineer: $160,000 - $200,000

Salary Range: California

$135,000-$200,000 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 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.