Director, Fluid Systems Test

Vast is seeking an experienced and highly driven Director, Fluid Systems Test, reporting to the Vice President of Fluid Systems, to lead the strategy, execution, and scaling of fluids test operations supporting the development of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations and supporting spacecraft systems.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in fluid systems testing, infrastructure development, high-risk operations, and organizational leadership within fast-paced aerospace or complex hardware development environments.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach, California location.

Responsibilities

Lead the Fluids Test organization responsible for component, subsystem, and integrated system development and qualification testing across propulsion, thermal control systems, ECLSS, pressurized systems, and spacecraft fluid distribution hardware

Develop and execute the long-term fluids test strategy supporting Haven-1 and future spacecraft programs from early development through qualification, supporting integration and flight readiness

Build, mentor, and scale a multidisciplinary organization of test engineers, technicians, operations specialists, controls engineers, and infrastructure teams

Oversee the design, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of fluids test stands, pressure systems, cryogenic systems, vacuum systems, and supporting ground infrastructure

Define and drive integrated test campaigns validating system performance, reliability, operational readiness, and human-rated safety requirements

Partner closely with Propulsion, Thermal, ECLSS, Structures, Avionics, GNC, Manufacturing, Systems Engineering, and Mission Operations teams to align test objectives, verification strategies, and development schedules

Establish rigorous engineering and operational processes for instrumentation, controls integration, data acquisition, calibration, configuration management, and test reporting

Lead test readiness reviews, operational procedure development, hazard analyses, and safety reviews for high-risk fluid, cryogenic, and pressurized system operations

Drive root cause investigations, anomaly resolution, corrective actions, and failure analysis efforts arising from integrated test campaigns and system performance issues

Develop organizational metrics, operational visibility tools, and infrastructure planning strategies to improve test throughput, utilization, reliability, and schedule predictability

Manage facility utilization, capital equipment planning, operational budgets, staffing forecasts, and long-range infrastructure investments

Support acceptance testing, spacecraft integration activities, launch site operations, and mission readiness testing as programs progress toward flight operations

Help establish the operational philosophy, safety standards, and verification methodologies for future human-rated spacecraft fluid systems and integrated test operations

Foster a culture of technical excellence, urgency, accountability, ownership, collaboration, and safety-first execution across the organization

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline

10+ years of experience in aerospace, military and defense, launch vehicle, spacecraft, propulsion, or complex fluid systems testing environments

5+ years of technical leadership or people management experience leading engineering or test organizations

Experience developing, operating, or scaling fluid, propulsion, thermal, cryogenic, pneumatic, or pressurized system test infrastructure

Strong understanding of instrumentation systems, data acquisition (DAQ), controls integration, automation systems, and test operations

Experience leading high-risk operations involving hazardous fluids, cryogenic systems, pressure systems, or oxygen-compatible systems

Demonstrated success leading integrated test campaigns under aggressive hardware development schedules

Experience partnering cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, systems engineering, quality, and operations organizations

Strong analytical, operational decision-making, root cause investigation, and troubleshooting skills

Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to present technical and programmatic updates to executive leadership

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting human-rated spacecraft, launch vehicles, or advanced aerospace development programs

Familiarity with NASA, aerospace, military, or commercial spaceflight fluid systems testing standards and operational practices

Experience with propulsion hot-fire testing, thermal vacuum testing, integrated environmental testing, or spacecraft acceptance testing

Knowledge of cryogenic systems, oxygen systems, hypergolic fluid handling, pressurized systems, or life support fluid systems

Experience scaling test infrastructure and operations in fast-paced hardware development environments

Background supporting launch campaigns, mission operations, vehicle integration, or flight certification activities

Experience building large-scale engineering or operations organizations supporting critical test infrastructure

Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline

Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed during critical test campaigns and program milestones

Ability to travel occasionally in support of suppliers, test sites, integration activities, and launch operations

Pay Range: California

$203,360—$288,672 USD