This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities
Own the qualification program for non-space-heritage (terrestrial/COTS) photovoltaic cell technologies for space use
Develop, author, and maintain test plans, procedures, and reports for solar array hardware at the coupon, panel, wing, and system levels
Plan and execute test campaigns including thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal cycling, vibration (sine, random), shock, acoustic, static load, deployment, and life-cycle testing
Plan and execute functional testing of solar array hardware, including flash testing, electroluminescence (EL) imaging, isolation resistance, and IV curve characterization
Define test success criteria, instrumentation requirements, data acquisition configurations, and test-as-you-fly rationale for all solar array verification activities
Coordinate and oversee testing at both internal facilities and external test labs
Analyze test data, document results, identify anomalies, and lead troubleshooting and root cause investigations when test failures occur
Determine applicable standards including AIAA S-111 (space solar cell qualification), AIAA S-112, SMC-S-016, and program-specific verification requirements
Collaborate with solar array design, structures, thermal, power electronics, and mission assurance engineers to ensure test campaigns provide comprehensive design verification
Support the development and buildout of internal test capabilities, fixturing, and ground support equipment (GSE) for solar array testing
Present test readiness reviews, test results, and lessons learned at design reviews and to cross-functional stakeholders
Author and maintain verification documentation through the product’s design lifecycle
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, materials engineering, physics, or related engineering discipline
5+ years of experience in hardware testing for satellites, spacecraft, or high-reliability aerospace systems
Familiarity with data acquisition systems, instrumentation (thermocouples, strain gauges, accelerometers, LVDTs), and test automation
Hands-on experience planning and executing environmental testing (thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, or acoustic) on flight or qualification hardware
Demonstrated experience authoring test plans, procedures, and test reports
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple parallel test campaigns and maintain meticulous documentation
Working knowledge of photovoltaic device physics and space-environment degradation mechanisms
Proficiency with data analysis and visualization tools such as MATLAB, Python, or equivalent
Effective communicator who thrives in a hands-on, hardware-rich environment and is comfortable working across engineering disciplines and with technician teams
Preferred Skills & Experience
8+ years of experience in test engineering for satellite or spacecraft programs, with direct solar array or deployable structure test experience
Experience executing test campaigns in compliance with SMC-S-016, AIAA S112, AIAA S-111, or equivalent military/NASA environmental test standards (e.g., GEVS, MIL-STD-1540)
Experience with solar cell or photovoltaic module electrical characterization, including flash testing, IV curve analysis, and EL inspection
Direct experience with solar cell radiation degradation testing (proton/electron irradiation) and EOL performance prediction
Experience with AM0 solar simulator calibration
Experience qualifying a non-space-heritage or COTS component/material for spaceflight use
Experience developing custom test fixturing and GSE, including interfacing with machinists and technicians on fabrication
Working knowledge of solar array design, construction, and failure modes
Experience at a vertically integrated satellite company or fast-paced aerospace startup with high personal touch-time on hardware
Design or modeling experience with NX, Teamcenter, or similar CAD/PLM tools for fixture and GSE design
Pay Range: California
$112,340—$230,472 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.
