NDE Level III, Specialist Long Beach, California, United States

NDE Level III, Specialist

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 currently seeking a Non-Destructive Evaluation PAUT Specialist, reporting to the Manager of NDE. The primary role of this position will be to support the development of systems necessary for the design and construction of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. The team is dedicated to delivering high-quality products through rigorous inspection of our flight components, assemblies, systems, and structures. As an NDE Level III Specialist, you will have the opportunity for extensive exposure, as the organization handles a wide range of NDT methodologies and inspections across our various space programs.

This is a full-time exempt position, based at our Long Beach location.

Key Responsibilities

As the Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) Level III, you will serve as both a technical leader and hands-on practitioner. You will be responsible for establishing and managing NDE capabilities while driving continuous improvement across inspection processes.

Program Leadership & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain NDE procedures and PAUT inspection techniques in accordance with ASNT SNT-TC-1A, NAS-410, and other relevant codes and customer specifications.
• Administer the company's NDE program, including oversight of processes, procedures, personnel certification, and compliance with internal and external quality standards.
• Serve as the final authority on interpretation of NDE-related specifications and acceptability of test results.
• Conduct internal audits and ensure quality assurance compliance across all NDE functions.
• Interface with internal teams and external customers to clarify inspection requirements and resolve technical disputes.

Training, Certification & Team Support

Hands-On Inspection & Technical Execution

Process Innovation & Continuous Improvement

Customer & Cross-Team Communication

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Skills & Experience

Additional Requirements

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.

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.