Verification Engineer

As a Verification Engineer at Vast, you will be responsible for defining, reviewing, and tracking System and Component Verification & Validation (V&V) plans. You'll own the requirements traceability to verification plans and deliver comprehensive analyses on verification coverage, working closely with various teams to ensure the highest standards of safety and reliability for our spacecraft systems.

To qualify for the Verification Engineer position at Vast, candidates should have a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related engineering discipline, along with a minimum of 4 years of engineering experience focused on hardware test and verification. Preferred qualifications include experience with spacecraft test systems, relevant aerospace testing standards, and a strong background in hardware verification methods in areas such as avionics or RF systems.

Preferred skills for the Verification Engineer role at Vast include proven experience leading cross-functional teams, ownership of test planning for spacecraft test systems, and knowledge of relevant aerospace testing standards. An understanding of test automation systems and exceptional planning and documentation skills would be highly beneficial in this position.

The salary range for a Verification Engineer at Vast varies based on experience. For a Verification Engineer II, the range is between $110,000 and $145,000, while a Senior Verification Engineer can expect a salary between $145,000 and $175,000. In addition to base salary, employees enjoy a comprehensive compensation package, including company equity and various benefits.

At Vast, a Verification Engineer will work in a fast-paced, innovative environment that promotes collaboration and creativity. You'll be surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the industry, all working toward a common goal of sustainable space exploration. The company culture emphasizes teamwork, flexibility, and a commitment to employee well-being.

When answering this question, focus on specific projects where you defined and implemented verification and validation plans. Highlight your understanding of the V&V process, how you ensured thorough coverage from component testing to system validation, and any achievements resulting from your efforts.

It's important to convey your structured approach to test planning. Discuss how you gather requirements, collaborate with engineering teams, and prioritize test cases based on risk and compliance. Your ability to adapt and refine test plans as necessary is also a key factor to mention.

Identify any specific aerospace testing standards you have worked with, such as SMC-S-016 or others relevant to hardware verification. Discuss how your familiarity with these standards influences your verification strategies and helps ensure compliance during testing processes.

Effective communication is vital in a multidisciplinary environment. Provide examples of past experiences where you facilitated collaboration between various teams, perhaps through regular meetings, project updates, or integrated planning sessions that improved understanding and streamlined processes.

Use the STAR method to share a specific instance where you encountered a verification challenge. Describe the situation, the task you needed to accomplish, the action you took to address the problem, and the result of your efforts. Highlight your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Mention any specific tools, frameworks, or software you've used in your previous roles, such as data acquisition systems or automation tools. Explain how these tools have aided you in executing effective verification and validation plans across different projects.

Explain your method for assessing system readiness, including the criteria you consider, the documentation you review, and any pre-testing checklists you might utilize. Mention your attention to detail and the importance of thorough preparation.

Discuss your familiarity with various test automation systems and your previous hands-on experience with those tools. Highlight how implementing automation improved efficiency and accuracy in achieving verification goals within a project.

Talk about your time management strategies, including how you assess project urgency, complexity, and resource availability. Emphasize your ability to balance multiple tasks while maintaining high-quality outcomes and meeting deadlines.

This is your opportunity to express your passion for space exploration and alignment with Vast's mission. Relate your skills and experience to the role and company culture, reaffirming your enthusiasm for contributing to innovative projects that push the boundaries of human capability in space.