Job Application for Senior Controls and Automation Engineer at Vast

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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 and Automation Engineer, reporting to the Director, Mojave Test Site, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations and the E-2 LOX/Kerosene oxidizer-rich staged combustion engine.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Mojave, CA location.

Responsibilities:

Design, develop, and implement control systems for testing unique space rated hardware to be deployed on National Instruments cRIO and PXI hardware
Own both the hardware and software behind Data Acquisition, PLC programming, and automation processes at Vast’s Mojave Test Site
Develop software tooling and GUI applications to streamline test engineers’ operations
Follow data from ingest to post-processing leading to data driven decisions
Collaborate with software, mechanical, thermal, manufacturing, and production test teams
Troubleshoot and debug control systems to resolve issues and ensure optimal performance
Create and manage development tooling to simplify development and software test efforts
Support structural, components and propulsion test stands

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or other engineering discipline
5+ years of applied experience with programming logic (State machines, control loops, communication protocols)
3+ years of LabVIEW experience with strong Object-Oriented skills
2+ years of control system experience (temperature, pressure, force)
2+ years of automated test experience
Familiarity with automated test of software (unit testing, CI/CD)
Working knowledge of supporting engineering skills (Wire Harnessing, electrical diagrams, signal processing)

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Understanding of various programming languages (Python, C/C++, ladder logic)
7+ years of professional experience rapidly designing highly reliable products
7+ years of professional experience testing, troubleshooting and debugging mechanical and electrical issues
7+ years of professional LabVIEW Programming Experience
LabVIEW Architect Certification
Familiarity with a LabVIEW application framework (Actor Framework, DQMH, etc)
Hands-on skills (Wiring, Machining, Soldering, Fabricating, 3D Printing)

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 : $155,000 - $190,000
Staff Controls and Automation Engineer: $180,000 - $235,000

Salary Range: California

$155,000 - $235,000 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.

Senior Controls and Automation Engineer

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