NDE Engineer

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in May 2026. 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 NDE Engineer, reporting to the Manager of NDE, to support the development of the inspection systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. 

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

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute feasibility studies, Probability of Detection (POD) studies, and qualification plans for inspection systems.
• Provide expert-level guidance on all NDT matters across the program lifecycle.
• Prepare and author detailed NDT procedures for various programs and parts.
• Design and implement part-specific NDE techniques for complex geometries and materials.
• Manage end-to-end development of automated NDE inspection systems to meet performance, throughput, and quality targets.
• Interface with cross-functional teams (manufacturing, software, design, quality) to align on inspection requirements, capabilities, and design-for-inspection strategies.
• Collaborate on NDE process automation initiatives, cycle time reduction, and defect mitigation strategies.
• Support development, documentation, and training for new inspection processes and equipment.
• Conduct hardware/software integration testing and debug NDE system performance using field data.
• Present inspection risk/performance analyses to cross-functional stakeholders, including executive leadership.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• ASNT Level III or NAS-410 certification in RT, UT, ET, VT and PT
• 10 + years of NDE experience in aerospace, nuclear, or a related high-reliability industry.
• Demonstrated project management and hands-on engineering experience.
• Experience writing procedures, executing inspections, and qualifying new techniques.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Engineering or relevant technical field.
• 2+ years hands-on inspection experience
• 15+ years of technical engineering experience, ideally within aerospace.
• Knowledge of industry standards (NASA-STD-5009, PRC, AMS, AWS/ASME, ASTM).
• Familiarity with inspection of advanced materials: high-strength aluminum alloys, inconel, titanium, monel.
• Expertise in POD studies, Gage R&R, and inspection system capability analysis.
• Software and automation skills (Python, LabVIEW, C#, SQL) and robotics integration.
• Strong foundation in statistical modeling, machine learning, or mathematical optimization.
• Experience with Jira or similar project management tools.
• Strong background in Lean principles and problem-solving methodologies (8D, PPS, etc.).

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends during critical project phases.
• Occasional travel required (up to 10%)
• Must be able to lift 30 lbs unassisted and work in varied environments (e.g., loud, outdoor).
• Flexible and adaptable work schedule, including potential overtime.
• Strong communication skills: verbal, written, and presentation.
• Self-starter able to contribute both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Pay Range: 

• NDE Engineer II: $99,000 - $142,000
• Senior NDE Enginee: $124,000 - $170,000

Salary Range: California$99,000—$170,000 USDCOMPENSATION 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: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, 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, 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.