Instrumentation and Controls Engineer Mojave

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 2026.

It is part of our stepping stone approach to continuous human presence in LEO.

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 an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer
, reporting to the Senior Manager, Engineering (E‑2), 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
, exempt position located in our Mojave location.

The Instrumentation and Controls Engineer will support the development of the systems that will be required for the design, build, and test of the E‑2 LOX/Kerosene oxidizer‑rich staged combustion engine.

• Support test engineers by maintaining all test stand instrumentation and control systems on all rocket engine and structures test stands.
• Generate and maintain electrical schematics for all test stand instrumentation and control systems.
• Manage all instrumentation calibration records.
• Manage all instrumentation checkout and calibration equipment.
• Coordinate recalibration of all instrumentation.
• Work alongside electrical technicians to build, test, and maintain electrical systems on rocket engines and rocket engine test stands.
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and software related systems on the test stands.
• Implement continuous improvements to improve safety and test site productivity.

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of experience in the operation, design and development of instrumentation and controls equipment.

• Experience with PLCs.
• Experience with National Instruments hardware and LabVIEW.
• Experience with coding languages (Python, Matlab, Visual Basic).
• Experience with strain gauges, IEPE accelerometers, TCs, RTDs and 4‑20mA loop sensors.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret technical documentation such as wire diagrams, sensor data sheets, and data systems equipment manuals.
• Experience with NX and Teamcenter.
• Experience with JIRA / Confluence.
• Read & interpret Plumbing and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, along with effective teamwork abilities.
• Ability and willingness to thrive in a fast‑paced, rapidly changing work environment.

• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.

• Eng I: $84,000 - $105,000
• Eng II: $105,000 - $140,000

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 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.

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”…