Senior Controls and Automation Engineer

As a Senior Controls and Automation Engineer at Vast, you'll design, develop, and implement control systems for innovative hardware tailored for space applications. You'll be responsible for both the hardware and software components related to Data Acquisition and PLC programming, enhancing automation processes at our Mojave Test Site. Your role includes creating software tools to optimize operations, collaborating with various engineering teams, and troubleshooting control systems to ensure optimal performance.

To qualify for the Senior Controls and Automation Engineer role at Vast, you need a Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant engineering discipline, along with at least 5 years of applied experience in programming logic and 3 years of LabVIEW experience. Familiarity with control systems, automated testing, and engineering skills such as electrical diagrams is essential. Preferred skills include knowledge of multiple programming languages, significant experience in product design, and hands-on skills.

The work environment at Vast is innovative and collaborative, centered around a shared mission to revolutionize space exploration. As a Senior Controls and Automation Engineer, you'll be part of a team of talented individuals dedicated to executing complex engineering projects in a dynamic Mojave Test Site setting. Prepare to engage in continuous learning and growth while contributing to groundbreaking technology aimed at making life in space a reality.

Vast provides a comprehensive compensation package for its employees, including competitive salaries and company equity. Employees enjoy 100% coverage for medical, dental, and vision expenses, flexible paid time off, and generous leave policies. Other benefits include access to a 401(k) plan, personalized mental healthcare, and exceptional food perks, featuring free snacks, drinks, and subsidized meals to fuel your creative work in Mojave.

A Senior Controls and Automation Engineer at Vast has ample opportunities for career growth, especially in an emerging field like space exploration. As you contribute to key projects and collaborate across teams, you will gain invaluable experience that can lead to leadership roles or further specialized engineering positions. Vast’s commitment to innovation ensures that your skills will be continuously challenged and developed.

Discuss specific projects where you designed or implemented control systems, focusing on challenges unique to space applications like temperature and pressure control. Highlight your approach to problem-solving and ensuring reliability in extreme environments.

Be prepared to mention your proficiency in programming languages such as LabVIEW, Python, or C/C++. Provide examples of projects where you've utilized these languages for automation or control system development, emphasizing your understanding of various coding practices.

Share your systematic approach to troubleshooting, including the use of diagnostic tools and methods for isolating issues in control systems. Provide an example of a significant challenge and how you resolved it to demonstrate your problem-solving capabilities.

Talk about your previous roles where you employed automated testing frameworks. Discuss how automated tests ensure the reliability and functionality of systems, and mention any specific tools or methodologies you've implemented.

Highlight your experience with data acquisition systems, detailing how they've contributed to decision-making processes. Use examples to illustrate your ability to analyze data flows and ensure accurate data integrity in your engineering work.

Discuss factors such as safety, reliability, and environmental challenges that must be addressed in human-rated space systems. Emphasize your understanding of human factors and engineering principles as they relate to space control systems.

Describe a project where you took on leadership responsibilities, explaining how you coordinated team efforts, resolved conflicts, and achieved project goals. Reflect on the skills that made the project a success and how it relates to the Senior Controls and Automation Engineer role.

Explain your familiarity with regulatory compliance and industry standards related to control systems and space exploration. Share your methods for keeping up-to-date with legal requirements while implementing best engineering practices.

Discuss your commitments to continuous learning, such as attending workshops, participating in online courses, or engaging with professional organizations. Highlight specific technologies or trends you've explored and how they relate to your work at Vast.

Express your enthusiasm for the opportunities presented by Vast and its mission to advance space exploration. Connect your personal career goals and values with the company's vision, showcasing your commitment to contributing to groundbreaking projects.