Quality Receiving Inspector

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations 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. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. 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, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.

Vast is looking for a Receiving Quality Inspector, Avionics, reporting to Senior Manager, Quality, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space stations.

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

Responsibilities: 

• Performs dimensional, visual, and workmanship inspections of avionics hardware, including printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic components, and wire harnesses using established procedures with minimum supervision of a higher inspector or supervisor 
• Review all supplied documentation for hardware acceptance per engineering requirements and document, track, and complete discrepancy reports
• Perform review of first articles and conduct receiving inspections of avionics hardware and electronic components
• Inspect PCBs for workmanship, component identification, orientation, solder quality, damage, contamination, and other defects
• Verify electronic components against engineering drawings, bills of material, purchase orders, part numbers, revisions, manufacturer information, and applicable specifications
• Inspect soldering, crimping, conformal coating, staking, surface mounted devices, and through-hole components in accordance with applicable NASA and IPC workmanship standards
• Perform detailed inspections of wire harnesses, connectors, terminals, splices, shielding, labeling, and other associated hardware
• Provide feedback to engineers, buyers, and suppliers with inspection data and identified discrepancies
• Perform basic electrical testing and verification using portable measuring devices and established test equipment
• Generate and perform Verification activities on Non-Conforming Material Reports

Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in equal or related field in receiving or Avionics inspection of aerospace components
• Ability to read, interpret, and work to blueprints, drawings, and process and design specifications
• Experience doing First Article Inspections and Source Inspections
• Experience inspecting solder, crimping, conformal coating, staking, and surface mounted devices in accordance with NASA 8739 and/or IPC-J-STD-001, IPC-A-610 standards
• Wire harness experience in accordance with NASA-STD-8739.3 and 8739.4 and/or IPC-A-620 standards
• Experience with performing electronic testing and inspection using portable measuring devices
• Perform detailed in-process and final inspections on complex flight hardware, including PCB assemblies, custom harnesses, rack/panel assemblies, and integrated systems

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• High School or equivalent diploma
• Must be dedicated to the quality function and possess a drive to enhance the quality of both the product and processes
• Must have computer skills including the use of MS Suite and an ability to be comfortable using ERP / MRP applications
• Experience working with ESD-sensitive components and ESD-controlled environments
• Experience using microscopes or other magnification equipment for detailed PCB and electronic assembly inspection
• Experience interpreting electrical schematics, PCB drawings, assembly drawings, and bills of material
• Familiarity with component traceability, date/lot codes, manufacturer part numbers, and Certificates of Conformance
• Self-motivation and ability to prioritize projects to meet completion dates
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to make independent judgments with limited information
• Communication skills for relaying data (verbally and in-writing) between other employees, vendors, and customers
• Comfortable working in a high-stress environment balancing several projects at any given time, and the flexibility to adjust for abrupt changes in strategic direction

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Physical requirements include frequent and repetitive use of hands; ability to push, pull or lift up to 35 pounds; vision acuity 20/25 (with or without corrective lenses)

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.