Precision Quality Specialist

Long Beach, California, United States

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 Precision Quality Specialist (1st and 2nd Shift), reporting to the Quality Supervisor, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

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

Responsibilities: 

  • Serve as the technical lead for CMM programming and precision dimensional inspection
  • Develop, validate, and optimize automated CMM programs from complex aerospace CAD models and GD&T-defined engineering drawings using PC-DMIS
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with design, manufacturing, and quality engineering teams to resolve challenging nonconformances and proactively prevent recurring issues
  • Lead first article inspections (FAI) and qualification builds with full dimensional layout and documentation
  • Support on-machine probing inspection strategies using NC-DMIS, reducing setup validation times in machining operations
  • Process non-conforming products and assist engineering in root cause analysis and corrective action
  • Routinely observe technical operations and offer guidance and/or serve as an additional technical resource
  • Evaluate manufacturing compliance to NASA, range safety, and customer, as well as internal specifications to meet launch and mission requirements
  • Identify, document, and resolve production and test anomalies in accordance with prescribed procedures and pursue corrective action as required
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with design, manufacturing, and quality engineering teams to resolve challenging nonconformances and proactively prevent recurring issues
  • Read, interpret, and work from free form drawings as well as from controlled documentation and processes
  • Independently perform verifications and document results in a clear, precise, and complete manner

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 5+ years of inspection experience in an aerospace, military, or manufacturing environment

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Expert proficiency with PC-DMIS CMM software and CAD-based inspection workflows
  • Experience or ability to learn on-machine probing inspections using NC-DMIS
  • Extensive hands-on experience with GD&T interpretation and implementation per ASME Y14.5
  • Proven expertise in programming and validating automated inspection routines from model-based definitions (MBD) and drawings
  • Deep understanding of aerospace quality standards including AS9100, NASA-STD-8739 series, and customer-specific requirements
  • Proficient in using a wide range of inspection tools and gauges (micrometers, height gauges, dial indicators, etc.)
  • Proficiency in interpreting complex inspection reports, statistical summaries, and communicating findings to cross-functional teams
  • Skilled in digital tools including ERP systems, Google Workspace, and technical documentation platforms

Additional Requirements:

  • Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
  • Must be able to pass a background check and gain access to government facilities
  • Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
  • Must be willing to travel up to 10%
  • Must be able to climb ladders, stoop, bend, crawl, and work in tight spaces

Pay Range: 

  • Precision Inspection Specialist l: $44.40/hr - $57/hr
  • Precision Inspection Specialist ll:  $48.84/hr - $63.49/hr

Salary Range: California

$26 - $63.49 USD

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: 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.

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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.
 

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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.

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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 be considered for deemed export licensing. To assist Vast in assessing its export compliance obligations in relation to your application, please identify which ITAR/EAR status applies to you:

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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 be considered for deemed export licensing. To assist Vast in assessing its export compliance obligations in relation to your application, please identify which ITAR/EAR status applies to you:

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