Senior RF Test Engineer

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and capital-efficient approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to support a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and supporting a growing space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to design, build, and operate its own spacecraft in orbit. Next, Haven-1 is targeted to become the world’s first commercial space station, with launch anticipated in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced two new offerings leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo: Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line; and Vast Lunar Systems, power, communications, and habitats for the Moon.

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 capable of manufacturing America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for Mars, dedicated modules for government partners, and other crewed systems designed to unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

Vast is looking for a Senior RF Test Engineer, reporting to the Manager, RF Test Engineering, 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 , exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities:

Work closely with RF and antenna engineers to design and build state of the art automated test systems for component level and vehicle level applications.

Test automation software development for test instruments, data processing, test sequencing, and reporting.

Define RF test system requirements and specifications.

Support spacecraft RF test activities such as OTA, EMI/EMC, antenna pattern measurement, and system checkouts.

Hands on environmental test for RF hardware (thermal cycling, TVAC, random vibration, shock, EMI/EMC, humidity, etc) as well as supporting spacecraft integration tests in cleanroom facilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in ECE, EE, Physics, or related STEM discipline.

2+ years in an RF design and/or test role.

Experience with RF test equipment such as Spectrum Analyzers, Vector Network Analyzers, Signal Generators, Communications Test Systems, Power Meters, etc.

Experience with software development: Python, Matlab, C/C++, etc.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Master’s Degree in ECE, EE, Physics, or related stem discipline.

Mission oriented mindset with a strong desire for team success.

Comfortable communicating deeply technical topics to a wide variety of audiences.

Familiarity with IP networking and ethernet connected test instruments.

Experience with serial communication protocols such as CAN, SPI, and I2C, RS-422/485.

Understanding of RF link budgets, thermal noise, noise figure, EVM, P1dB, Spurs, and Rx sensitivity.

Familiarity with antenna testing concepts such as gain, directivity, EIRP, and antenna patterns.

Understanding of RF schematics and RF electronics manufacturing.

Experience with GNU Radio and software-defined radios (SDRs) and GPS receivers.

Understanding of RF modulation schemes such as BPSK, QPSK, GMSK, APSK, TDMA, FDMA, etc.

Experience processing large frequency and time-domain sets of data

Familiarity with space rated avionics test standards such as SMC-S-016, GSFC-STD-7000, MIL-STD-461, etc.

Additional Requirements:

Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones.

Pay Range:

RF Test Engineer: $120,054 - $171,108

Senior RF Test Engineer: $147,600 - $209,520

Pay Range: California

$120,054 — $209,520 USD

We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.

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.

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.