Manager, Thermal Test Engineering

To qualify for the Manager, Thermal Test Engineering role at Vast, candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline along with a minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in areas such as mechanical, structural, fluid, or electrical systems. Proven experience with fluid systems and components is essential.

The Manager, Thermal Test Engineering at Vast will oversee and coordinate all testing processes for pressurized flight components and subassemblies. Responsibilities include ensuring adherence to design and testing standards, enabling engineers to take ownership of their work, and fostering collaboration with various stakeholders to align testing efforts with project outcomes.

At Vast, safety is paramount within the role of Manager, Thermal Test Engineering. The successful candidate will recognize inherent dangers in testing scenarios and develop comprehensive plans to mitigate risks. The position demands a culture of extreme ownership, ensuring that safety protocols are deeply integrated into testing practices.

Vast emphasizes continuous learning and professional growth. The Manager, Thermal Test Engineering will have opportunities to participate in business forums, conferences, and ongoing education, ensuring they stay current on the latest tools and technologies in thermal engineering and test management.

The salary range for the Manager, Thermal Test Engineering at Vast is competitive, ranging from $135,000 to $180,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Beyond salary, team members receive a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, flexible paid time off, and other unique perks.

While discussing thermal vacuum testing, highlight any specific projects where you conducted or oversaw such tests, detailing your approach to ensuring accuracy and reliability. Talk about challenges faced and how you overcame them, emphasizing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

In answering this question, you'll want to provide an example from your past where collaboration was key. Discuss your leadership style, how you foster open communication, and share how you ensure all voices are heard while steering the team towards project goals.

Here, emphasize your proactive approach, like attending industry conferences, participating in webinars, or engaging in professional organizations. Mention how you apply this knowledge to improve testing protocols or innovate solutions within your team.

Choose a specific instance and discuss the problem in depth, your analytical process for diagnosing the issue, and the steps you took to implement a successful resolution. Showcase your technical expertise and ability to work under pressure.

Talk about setting clear safety protocols and leading by example. Share how you encourage team members to voice safety concerns and foster an environment where prioritizing safety is part of the team's DNA.

Discuss any hands-on experience you have with a variety of instrumentation tools, ensuring to mention which tools you are proficient with and how they have helped you achieve robust testing outcomes in previous roles.

Provide examples of projects you've managed, outlining your approach to planning, executing, and reporting on test results. Discuss how you manage timelines and resources effectively to ensure objectives are met without compromising quality.

Explain your method for conducting failure analysis, emphasizing the importance of systematic investigation, documentation, and collaboration. Describe how you utilize findings from failures to shape future testing protocols.

Discuss techniques you use for prioritization and time management. Share an example that demonstrates your ability to meet tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality work results, ensuring to show your adaptability.

Explain your approach to mentorship, including providing guidance, sharing knowledge, and being accessible for questions. Discuss how you assess individual strengths and areas for growth to tailor your mentoring style effectively.