Test Instrumentation Engineer

Responsibilities

• This role encompasses two core responsibilities: serving as a console operator during hazardous operations and owning the instrumentation, EGSE, and DAQ systems on the test stand.
• Serve as Test Conductor and Test Director during static fire testing of the E-2 engine, ensuring safe and disciplined execution of test operations.
• Plan, coordinate, and lead hazardous operations involving high-pressure systems, cryogenic fluids, and rocket propulsion hardware.
• Maintain and oversee test stand instrumentation and control systems across rocket engine and component test facilities.
• Develop, update, and maintain electrical schematics for test stand instrumentation and control systems.
• Manage instrumentation calibration records, ensuring traceability, accuracy, and compliance with required standards.
• Oversee calibration equipment inventory, usage, and maintenance, including coordination of recalibration activities.
• Collaborate with skilled technicians to design, build, test, maintain, and troubleshoot Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE).
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, mechanical, and software-related issues on test stands to ensure operational readiness.
• Identify and implement continuous improvements to enhance safety, reliability, and operational efficiency at the test site.
• Support and participate in Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), including verification of test objectives, procedures, and safety requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of experience working with instrumentation and control systems in an operational, design, or development capacity, preferably in test stand or industrial environments.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with industrial sensors and instrumentation, including strain gauges, IEPE accelerometers, thermocouples (TCs), RTDs, and 4-20 mA current loop systems.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from technical documentation, including wiring diagrams, sensor datasheets, equipment manuals, and system schematics.
• Ability to read and interpret plumbing and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Experience with National Instruments (NI) hardware and LabVIEW-based data acquisition and control systems.
• Proficiency in programming and scripting languages such as Python, MATLAB, C/C++, SQL, and Git for version control.
• Experience working with high-pressure fluid and gas systems, including safe operation, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to analyze operational or test data and implement corrective actions based on findings.
• Experience with Siemens NX and Teamcenter.
• Familiarity with Jira and Confluence for workflow tracking and technical documentation.
• Strong attention to detail with a high level of accountability and ownership of work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively in team environments.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with rapidly changing priorities.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
• Flexibility required as hours can vary depending on operational needs.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted and work in an outdoor, physically demanding test environment (from freezing conditions to temps up to 120 degrees fahrenheit)

Pay Range

• Test Instrumentation Engineer I: $86,000 - $120,000
• Test Instrumentation Engineer II: $110,000 - $155,000

Pay Range

California $86,000—$155,000 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.