Quality Inspection Specialist II

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 Quality Inspection Specialist II
, reporting to the E-2 Principal Engineer, to create the world's highest performing engine for small launchers, while optimizing for production and low cost. In this role, you will join a team with exciting momentum that has produced and successfully tested fully integrated engine development samples. You will be a key member who will help transition the system from development to production.

This will be a full-time
,
non-exempt
position located in our
Hawthorne location.

• Define and execute quality methodologies to support full product traceability
• Hands on dimensional inspection skills using mechanical tools
• CMM programming skills
• Collaborate with responsible engineers, manufacturing engineers and technicians to review designs and drawings
• Assess, define, improve and communicate inhouse inspection capabilities
• Identify and track manufacturing non-conformities and proactively work with manufacturing and engineering to address them
• Develop, approve and execute process inspection controls to regulate acceptance of critical characteristics.
• Use expertise to contribute to the prevention of defects and non-conformities, ultimately reducing the likelihood of recalls and/or customer complaints.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing quality data, identifying trends, and implementing corrective and preventive actions to enhance the overall quality of our products and reduce costs.
• Create and define technical and quality requirements based on customer and program requirements and expectations for NPI and manufacturing phases.
• Effectively apply root cause analysis, FMEA, Cause Mapping, Cause & Effect diagrams, and structured RCCA to drive corrective action.
• Recommend technical product improvements to reduce risk and potential defect opportunities and provide feedback as appropriate on manufacturing methods and technologies.

• 10+ years experience with demand fast paced company working on quality, manufacturing or responsible engineer role
• Expert knowledge and experience in GD&T, CMM, MSA, Tooling, AS9100, AS9102, AS9103.
• Proficient in Blueprint Reading and First Article Inspection (FAI) and interpretation of Engineering Process Specifications.

• Certified Black / Green belt lean and Six-Sigma quality engineering methodologies.
• Experience with Quality Management Systems (ISO 9000 / AS9100 / AS6500 / NADCAP).
• Experience in statistical controls and methods (e.g. MSA, GR&R, Design of Experiments, Six Sigma, etc.).
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced environment.
• Effective written, verbal and presentation communication skills.
• Experience with NDT.

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

Salary Range:
California $45 — $58 USD

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, Class Pass credits, personalized mental healthcare…