Avionics Manufacturing Technician, Wire Harnessing

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.

Headquartered in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

Vast is looking for an Avionics Manufacturing Technician, Wire Harnessing reporting to the Supervisor of Avionics Manufacturing, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. You will work closely with our engineering teams to execute highly technical electrical builds. This is a second shift role.

This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Shift Hours: 

• Second Shift: 2pm - 10:30pm

Responsibilities: 

• Construct superior wire cables, perform PCB assembly rework, assemble, and test racks/systems, electro-mechanical units, engineering enclosures, and test equipment
• Assist avionics engineering by rapidly iterating electronic components and cables
• Ability to comprehend cable wiring diagrams and schematics
• Collaborate closely with engineering to transform concepts into reality
• Monitor one's own work progress against established standards and deliver all work on schedule
• Examine, interpret, and use drawings and regulated documentation and procedures
• Understand intricate cable harnesses, wiring diagrams, mechanical and layout drawings, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing 
• Verify flight hardware and thoroughly document outcomes
• Aid in developing manufacturing processes for initial production runs
• Contribute to projects aimed at increasing operational efficiency in the area

Minimum Qualifications:

• Previous or current qualifications in one of the following:
  • 1+ years of experience manufacturing wire harnesses in the commercial and or aerospace industry utilizing D38999 connectors. 
  • 1+ years of experience using electronics equipment (e.g. programmable power supplies, DMMs, oscilloscopes, etc.)
  • 1+ years of experience using basic mechanical and/or electronics hand tools

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 3+ years of experience manufacturing wire harnesses in the commercial and or aerospace industry utilizing D38999 connectors. 
• 2+ years of experience using electronics equipment (e.g. programmable power supplies, DMMs, oscilloscopes, etc.)
• 5+ years of experience using basic mechanical and/or electronics hand tools
• Possession of an associate degree
• Previous involvement in a high-speed production environment, handling flight hardware
• Prior involvement in a high-output environment, involving hands-on experience in constructing cables, electro-mechanical devices, or building prototypes
• Ability to acclimate to frequently changing assignments and a fast-paced working environment
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, along with effective teamwork abilities
• Superb focus and attention to detail, with remarkable work efficiency and accuracy
• Experience with soldering PCBAs, including soldering in tight spaces such as 0402 packages and high-density ICs, installing jumpers, and performing dead-bugging
• Expertise in manufacturing and repairing intricate testing systems
• Familiarity with Atlassian tools such as SVN, Confluence, and JIRA
• Basic comprehension of electronic principles and theory
• Skills in project management

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted

Pay Range:

• Avionics Manufacturing Technician I: $24-$34
• Avionics Manufacturing Technician II: $28-$40
• Avionics Manufacturing Technician III: $33-$47
• Senior Avionics Manufacturing Technician: $39-$56

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.