Space Simulation Technician

As a Space Simulation Technician at Vast, your primary responsibilities will include performing critical thermal vacuum, cycling, vibration, and shock tests. You'll also be involved in developing and modifying testing procedures and reviewing various test plans and requirements. The role requires maintaining test lab environments and providing support during bench test setups to ensure systems meet their specifications.

To qualify for the Space Simulation Technician role at Vast, applicants should have over 7 years of relevant experience in space simulation, along with a high school diploma or equivalent. While not mandatory, experience in the aerospace industry and EMI testing is preferred, as well as strong troubleshooting skills across different test environments. Ability to adapt and work well in teams is essential.

At Vast, the career growth opportunities are extensive. Starting as a Space Simulation Technician can lead to higher roles such as Senior Technician or even managerial positions as you gain experience. We believe in promoting from within, so if you demonstrate strong technical knowledge and leadership skills, you could progress to overseeing projects or leading teams in the development of future space stations.

The work environment for a Space Simulation Technician at Vast is dynamic and collaborative, set in a state-of-the-art facility in Long Beach, California. You'll be working closely with a diverse team of engineers and experts passionate about space exploration. The nature of the work may involve high-pressure situations, especially as we approach key project milestones, but it also fosters a culture of support and innovation.

Vast offers a comprehensive benefits package for Space Simulation Technicians. Employees receive full medical, dental, and vision coverage, generous paid time off, and access to company equity. Additional perks include personalized mental health support, access to wellness programs, and provisions for extraordinary food perks throughout the workday, all aimed at maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

When answering this question, highlight your hands-on experience with thermal vacuum testing procedures. Describe specific projects where you performed these tests and how you managed any challenges that arose during testing. Make sure to discuss the importance of thermal vacuum testing in validating space systems.

Provide a concrete example of a troubleshooting instance, outlining the problem, your approach to diagnosing it, and the resolution. This showcases your problem-solving skills and underlines your experience in a high-stress environment.

Discuss your methods for prioritizing tasks, such as using organizational tools or techniques such as the Eisenhower Matrix. Emphasize your ability to remain flexible and adapt your plans to accommodate unexpected changes.

Provide an overview of what space planning entails, especially in the context of testing environments. Mention any specific methodologies or software you have used in the past to support space planning initiatives.

Talk about your systematic approach to maintaining testing instrumentation. Include specific steps you take to ensure calibration accuracy, regular checks, and what you do to prevent potential issues that could impact testing.

Discuss your familiarity with data acquisition methods that are relevant to space simulations. Highlight particular systems you've worked with and how they contributed to data logging and analysis, which is crucial for valid testing results.

Emphasize the importance of teamwork when conducting tests in a space simulation context, as collaboration ensures thoroughness and better problem-solving. Share your experiences that illustrate successful team efforts to achieve testing objectives.

Discuss any experience you have with creating requests for proposals (RFPs) and purchase orders (POs), especially in relation to test equipment or facilities in past projects. Mention how this experience will help you efficiently manage resources at Vast.

Explain your approach to simplifying complex information. This might include using visuals, analogies, or layman's terms to ensure understanding among team members with varied technical backgrounds.

Share your passion for space exploration and technology. Discuss what aspects of the field excite you the most, whether it's the problem-solving challenges, contributions to humanity, or the innovative environment of companies like Vast.