Vast
Controls and Automation Engineer II
About this role
Vast is seeking a Controls & Automation Engineer II in Long Beach to develop and maintain data acquisition and control systems for space-rated hardware testing. You'll design complex test automation solutions, collaborate across engineering disciplines, and own both hardware and software components supporting the company's commercial space station initiatives.
What you'll do
- Develop and maintain data acquisition and controls software stack for test teams at the Long Beach facility
- Design and implement control systems for space-rated hardware testing with full hardware and software ownership
- Collaborate with software, thermal, manufacturing, propulsion, and mechanical teams to establish testing standards and practices
- Troubleshoot and debug test assets to resolve issues and ensure optimal system performance
- Gather upgrade requests and define new capabilities for the test infrastructure
What they're looking for
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and embedded systems
- TwinCat programming and Beckhoff hardware
- Python, C#, C++, or similar programming languages
- Electrical diagrams, wire harnessing, and signal processing
- Version control (Git/GitLab) and software development practices
- Industrial communication protocols (EtherCAT, Profinet)
- Instrumentation selection and spaceflight testing processes (ATP/QTP)
- Industrial standards (UL508A, NFPA 70, ISO 13849)
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents
- 20+ days vacation for exempt staff with annual cash-out option
- Paid parental leave and disability insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan and company equity
- Free snacks, coffee, cold drinks, and dinner with subsidized lunch
- Mental healthcare through Spring Health and ClassPass credits
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Vast
Vast develops Haven-1, a human-rated space station, and is hiring design reliability engineers across thermal, structures, propulsion, and avionics systems to ensure safe operations, as well as construction project engineers to support the station's development and construction.
- Website
- vast.com
Likely interview questions
- Walk us through a complex control system you designed—what hardware and software challenges did you face, and how did you solve them?
- Describe your experience with TwinCat and Beckhoff systems. Have you integrated them with other industrial protocols?