Test Instrumentation Engineer

Vast is looking for a Test Instrumentation Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager, Engineering (E-2), to 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.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located at our Mojave Test Site location.

Responsibilities:

This role encompasses two core responsibilities: serving as a console operator during hazardous operations and owning the instrumentation, EGSE, and DAQ systems on the test stand.

Serve as Test Conductor and Test Director during static fire testing of the E-2 engine, ensuring safe and disciplined execution of test operations.

Plan, coordinate, and lead hazardous operations involving high-pressure systems, cryogenic fluids, and rocket propulsion hardware.

Maintain and oversee test stand instrumentation and control systems across rocket engine and component test facilities.

Develop, update, and maintain electrical schematics for test stand instrumentation and control systems.

Manage instrumentation calibration records, ensuring traceability, accuracy, and compliance with required standards.

Oversee calibration equipment inventory, usage, and maintenance, including coordination of recalibration activities.

Collaborate with skilled technicians to design, build, test, maintain, and troubleshoot Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE).

Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, mechanical, and software-related issues on test stands to ensure operational readiness.

Identify and implement continuous improvements to enhance safety, reliability, and operational efficiency at the test site.

Support and participate in Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), including verification of test objectives, procedures, and safety requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.

2+ years of experience working with instrumentation and control systems in an operational, design, or development capacity, preferably in test stand or industrial environments.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Experience with industrial sensors and instrumentation, including strain gauges, IEPE accelerometers, thermocouples (TCs), RTDs, and 4–20 mA current loop systems.

Ability to read, interpret, and work from technical documentation, including wiring diagrams, sensor datasheets, equipment manuals, and system schematics.

Ability to read and interpret plumbing and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).

Experience with National Instruments (NI) hardware and LabVIEW-based data acquisition and control systems.

Proficiency in programming and scripting languages such as Python, MATLAB, C/C++, SQL, and Git for version control.

Experience working with high-pressure fluid and gas systems, including safe operation, monitoring, and troubleshooting.

Ability to analyze operational or test data and implement corrective actions based on findings.

Experience with Siemens NX and Teamcenter.

Familiarity with Jira and Confluence for workflow tracking and technical documentation.

Strong attention to detail with a high level of accountability and ownership of work.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively in team environments.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with rapidly changing priorities.

Additional Requirements:

Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones.

Flexibility required as hours can vary depending on operational needs.

Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.

Pay Range:

Test Instrumentation Engineer I: $86,000 - $120,000

Test Instrumentation Engineer II: $110,000 - $155,000

Pay Range: California

$86,000—$155,000 USD