Machine Maintenance Technician

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 August 2025. 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 Machine Maintenance Technician, reporting to the Supervisor of Manufacturing Maintenance, 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, non-exempt position located in our Hawthorne and Long Beach locations. 

​​We are seeking a skilled and experienced Machine Maintenance Technician to join our aerospace company's maintenance team. As a Machine Maintenance Technician, you will play a critical role in ensuring the optimal performance, reliability, and safety of our manufacturing equipment. Your expertise will contribute to maintaining the high standards of precision and quality required in aerospace manufacturing.

Responsibilities: 

• Perform routine and preventive maintenance on a variety of machines, including lathes, mills, grinders, PBF, EDMs, and CNC tube bending machinery.
• Conduct inspections, diagnostics, and troubleshooting to identify and resolve mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues promptly to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with production teams to prioritize maintenance tasks and schedule downtime for minimal impact on production schedules.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, including tasks performed, parts used, and equipment condition.
• Carry out calibration and alignment procedures to ensure machines operate within required specifications.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to implement machine upgrades, modifications, and enhancements to improve equipment performance.
• Keep abreast of new technologies, trends, and advancements in machining to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Follow established safety protocols and procedures while working with equipment and hazardous materials.
• Assist in training junior technicians and operators on equipment operation and basic maintenance tasks.
• Collaborate with external vendors for sourcing spare parts, tools, and technical support as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate. 

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Technical certification or associate's degree in mechanical, electrical, or related field preferred.
• Proven experience as a Machine Maintenance Technician, preferably in an aerospace or precision manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in diagnosing and troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems in equipment.
• Strong knowledge of programming, machine controls, and reading technical schematics and diagrams.
• Experience with maintenance software and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and within a team, with excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety and adherence to safety guidelines and protocols.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and external vendors.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to support production schedules and respond to emergencies.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones. 
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted.

Pay Range: 

• Machine Maintenance Technician I: $$23.00 - $32.00 /per hour
• Machine Maintenance Technician II: $28.00 - $39.00/per hour
• Machine Maintenance Technician III:$35.00 - $44.00/per hour

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 s