Avionics Integration Test Lead

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 seeking an Avionics Integration Test Lead, reporting to the Manager, Avionics System Testing, to support the development of the automated testing systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

This is a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach facility.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and align testing efforts across cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and comprehensive system validation.
• Refine and clarify test plans and procedures, making them accessible, so technicians can perform tests independently with minimal engineering intervention.
• Create and maintain automation scripts to streamline testing activities, such as network checks and system health verifications.
• Support integration teams to conduct practice runs and resolve challenges before working with actual flight hardware.
• Establish and implement troubleshooting strategies and root cause analysis techniques for both software and hardware within avionics systems.
• Keep system diagrams and technical documentation for Hardware-in-the-loop and test rack networking current and accurate.
• Develop and carry out checkout procedures for test assets and subsystems, particularly those supporting Haven-1.
• Build software tools for deploying, validating, and monitoring network configurations on test racks.
• Mentor junior engineers and help coordinate complex projects within the Avionics Test team.
• Prepare thorough documentation for test systems and assist with training and handoff to test operators.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in avionics, hardware integration, or automated test systems
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute requirements-based test plans and procedures for avionics or advanced hardware systems.
• Experience with system integration and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test environments.
• Proficiency with Linux operating systems and command line tools.
• Skilled in using lab equipment such as power supplies, electronic loads, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and digital multimeters.
• Strong analytical skills for troubleshooting and root cause analysis in complex hardware and software systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially for technical documentation.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Proficiency in Python and/or C++ for automation and scripting.
• Experience with embedded systems design, testing, and integration.
• Familiarity with CI/CD workflows and issue tracking tools (e.g., Atlassian Suite, GitHub).
• Experience designing and managing computer networks and modular DAQ systems (e.g., NI, Beckhoff).
• Knowledge of EGSE and HITL architectures for space applications.
• Experience leading and mentoring engineering teams in high-stakes, fast-paced environments.

Additional Requirements

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

Pay Range

• Senior Avionics Integration Test Lead: $135,800 - $176,400
• Staff Avionics Integration Test Lead: $159,100 - $205,800

Salary Range: California$135,800—$205,800 USDCOMPENSATION 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, lif