---
title: 'Senior Materials Testing Technician at Vast'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-materials-testing-technician-vast-long-beach-ddyeaz1dn28b'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-05'
---

# Senior Materials Testing Technician at Vast

- **Company:** Vast
- **Location:** Long Beach, CA
- **Compensation:** $40–$56/hr
- **Posted:** 2026-11-03
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-05
- **Apply:** https://boards.greenhouse.io/vast/jobs/4726624006?gh_jid=4726624006

## Job description

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 Senior Materials Testing Technician, reporting to the M&P Supervisor Materials Testing, to support materials testing, characterization, and qualification activities for the development and production of human-rated spacecraft and space station hardware. This role will work hands-on in a laboratory environment preparing samples, operating test equipment, collecting data, and supporting engineers in evaluating materials and manufacturing processes for flight applications.

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

## Responsibilities

- Perform hands-on materials testing and characterization in support of spacecraft development, qualification, and production
- Prepare, label, track, and document material specimens and test samples according to established procedures and specifications
- Set up and operate laboratory test equipment used to evaluate mechanical, thermal, physical, and environmental material properties
- Support testing of metals, polymers, adhesives, coatings, composites, elastomers, and other materials used in spacecraft hardware
- Execute testing according to engineering test plans, work instructions, ASTM standards, NASA standards, and internal specifications
- Collect, organize, and document test data while ensuring accuracy, traceability, and proper configuration control
- Assist Materials & Processes engineers with material qualification and process validation testing
- Perform routine inspection and measurement of test specimens using laboratory and dimensional inspection equipment
- Support environmental testing activities including thermal cycling, vacuum compatibility/outgassing, flammability, and other spacecraft-specific material evaluations
- Maintain laboratory equipment, tooling, fixtures, consumables, and test areas to ensure safe and efficient operations
- Identify unexpected test results, equipment issues, or material nonconformances and escalate findings to the appropriate engineering team
- Assist with failure investigations and root-cause analysis by preparing samples and supporting material characterization activities
- Maintain accurate laboratory records, test logs, equipment calibration status, and material traceability documentation
- Work closely with Materials & Processes, Manufacturing, Quality, Design Engineering, and Production teams to support hardware development and build schedules
- Follow all applicable safety procedures when handling chemicals, materials, test equipment, and laboratory processes
- Support continuous improvement of laboratory procedures, test methods, fixtures, and workflows

## Minimum Qualifications

- High school diploma or GED
- 5+ years of experience working in a laboratory, manufacturing, testing, inspection, quality, or other hands-on technical environment
- Technical proficiency on Syft, TGA, FTIR, DSC, Flammability
- Experience following written technical procedures, work instructions, or test specifications
- Ability to accurately collect, document, and communicate technical data
- Basic proficiency using hand tools, measurement equipment, and/or laboratory equipment
- Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Excel and electronic documentation systems
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate records and material traceability
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional technical team

## Preferred Skills & Experience

- Associate degree or technical certification in materials science, engineering technology, chemistry, manufacturing, aerospace, or a related technical discipline
- Experience working in aerospace, spacecraft, automotive, defense, medical device, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment
- Hands-on experience with material specimen preparation, mechanical testing, environmental testing, or material characterization
- Experience with tensile, compression, hardness, adhesion, thermal, or other mechanical/material testing methods
- Familiarity with materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, composites, adhesives, polymers, coatings, and elastomers
- Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as universal testing machines, hardness testers, environmental chambers, microscopes, ovens, balances, or dimensional inspection equipment
- Familiarity with ASTM, NASA, or aerospace material testing standards
- Experience supporting material qualification, process qualification, failure analysis, or root-cause investigations
- Experience working within AS9100 or another quality-controlled manufacturing environment
- Familiarity with material certifications, lot traceability, calibration requirements, and controlled documentation
- Experience safely handling chemicals and following laboratory safety and hazardous material procedures
- Ability to read engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation

Additional Requirements

- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
- Ability to stand for extended periods and perform hands-on laboratory work
- Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required
- Willingness to work overtime and/or weekends when necessary to support critical test, production, and mission milestones

Pay Range: California $40—$56 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.

## 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.

## About Vast

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Aerospace, space infrastructure, commercial space stations
- **Target customers**: B2B (government space agencies, research institutions, pharmaceutical/biotech companies, satellite operators), B2C (private astronaut missions)
- **Mission or purpose statement**: “Our long-term vision is to create artificial gravity stations, allowing humanity to live and work in space without long-term harm to the body.” – Jed McCaleb

## Products & Services
- **Haven-1**: The world’s first commercial space station, a single-module habitat launching in 2027 aboard a Falcon 9. Designed for 4-crew missions of up to 30 days, with microgravity research lab (10 payload slots), large window dome, always-on Wi-Fi, and Starlink laser communications. [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/)
- **Haven-2**: A planned multi-module space station designed as a commercial successor to the ISS. First module (based on Haven-1 but stretched) to launch on Falcon Heavy in 2028, with full configuration of eight modules by 2032. Will compete for NASA’s Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) Phase 2. [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vast_(company))
- **Haven Demo**: A 500 kg demonstration satellite launched in November 2025, successfully tested communications, power, propulsion, and deorbit capabilities. Operated for three months before controlled reentry in February 2026. [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/)
- **High-Power Satellite Buses**: Leveraging in-house space station technology, Vast has expanded into designing and building high-power satellite buses for commercial and government customers. [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/)

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed. However, the company raised $500M in March 2026 ($300M equity + $200M debt). [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vast_(company))
- **Key Metric**: Total funding to date – at least $500M (March 2026), plus prior undisclosed rounds led by founder Jed McCaleb.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Balerion Space Ventures, IQT, Qatar Investment Authority, Mitsui & Co., MUFG, Nikon Corporation, Stellar Ventures, Space Capital, Earthrise Ventures, Jed McCaleb. Partners include SpaceX (launch provider, Starlink), Impulse Space (propulsion), AnySignal, TRL11, Addvalue, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, CASIS, UK Space Agency, European Space Agency, NASA (CCSC-2 agreement). [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vast_(company)) [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/)
- **Growth Signals**: 
  - Won the sixth commercial ISS astronaut mission contract (Feb 2026), with ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet as commander. 
  - Signed multi-mission agreements with France (to ISS and Haven-1) and the Czech Republic (via ESA). 
  - Completed primary structure of Haven-1 – the first U.S. space station flight article built in over 20 years. 
  - Headcount grew from 606+ (Oct 2024) to “1000+ team members” by mid-2026. 
  - Former NASA CEO Steve Isakowitz and veteran astronauts Andrew Feustel and Garrett Reisman joined as advisors/team members. [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/) [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vast_(company))

## Competitive Advantages
- **First-mover in commercial space stations**: Vast is the only operational commercial space station company to have flown and operated its own spacecraft in orbit (Haven Demo). 
- **Hardware-rich, low-cost approach**: Rapid iteration and in-house manufacturing enable faster development than competitors. 
- **Artificial gravity vision**: Long-term differentiator for human health in space – a key gap in current ISS and other station designs. 
- **Strong talent pipeline**: Leadership includes serial entrepreneurs (Max Haot, Jed McCaleb) and top SpaceX and NASA veterans (CTO Alex Hudson, COO Kris Young, astronaut Andrew Feustel). 
- **Strategic partnerships**: Deep relationships with SpaceX, international space agencies, and research institutions provide launch, funding, and mission opportunities.

## Strategic Focus
- **Haven-1 launch and crewed missions**: Complete assembly, launch in 2027, and execute the first Vast-1 crew mission (4 astronauts, ~14 days). 
- **Haven-2 development**: Compete for NASA’s CLD Phase 2 contract (decision expected July 2026) to become a primary ISS replacement. 
- **Expand microgravity research network**: Partner with pharmaceutical, biotech, and materials science companies for in-space manufacturing and R&D. 
- **International expansion**: Secure additional government astronaut missions (France, UK, Czech Republic) and explore Indian launch capabilities. 
- **High-power satellite bus business**: Leverage in-house technology to capture commercial and defense satellite contracts.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: “All in” – bottom-up engineering, first principles, extreme ownership, rapid progress, and celebration of wins. Emphasizes respect, curiosity, and excellence. [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/careers)
- **Benefits**: Long-term equity incentive, 401(k), generous PTO with annual cash-out, paid parental leave, comprehensive medical/dental/vision, subsidized meals, fitness memberships, and wellness benefits. [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/careers)
- **Work environment**: In-office in Long Beach, CA. State-of-the-art 115,000 sq ft facility with manufacturing operations. 
- **Engineering culture**: Agile, risk-tolerant, and driven by passion for space. Team includes former SpaceX, NASA, and top aerospace engineers. 
- **Impact**: Directly building the future of long-term space habitation – a mission-driven environment with ambitious timelines and tangible results.

## Sources
1. [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/)
2. [vastspace.com/careers](https://www.vastspace.com/careers)
3. [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vast_(company))
4. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/vastspace)

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