Fluid Test Technician

Location

Long Beach, CA

Wage

$22 – $56/hr

Employment Type

Full-time

Apply for This Position

Posted on August 28, 2026

Job Description

Overview

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and infrastructure, focusing on a low-cost approach. The company is seeking a Fluid Test Technician to support the development of systems for artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

Responsibilities

  • Build and test high-pressure fluid and gas systems on Haven-1 vehicle and test articles.
  • Perform vehicle fluid system functional checks, high-pressure proof and leak tests, and hazardous operations.
  • Build and maintain test facilities, GSE, propellant, high-pressure, and cryogenic systems.
  • Troubleshoot and perform maintenance on fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems.
  • Conduct field test operations including high-pressure system operation, fluid fill/drain/handling, and sensor monitoring.
  • Read and interpret Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
  • Execute aerospace integration practices including safety cabling, helicoil installation, and fastener/fitting torque.
  • Operate heavy machinery (forklift, overhead equipment, etc.).
  • Implement continuous improvements to increase safety and test site productivity.
  • Adhere to, enforce, and improve test processes and best practices.
  • Work alongside engineers to build, test, and maintain fluid systems.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
  • 5+ years of experience in production, mechanical, or manufacturing environment.
  • Hands-on hardware integration and high-pressure testing experience.

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • PTO
  • 401k

Additional Information

  • Full-time, non-exempt position located in Long Beach, California.
  • Ability to travel for vehicle test support (20%) including extended travel (up to 1 month) for final vehicle test.
  • Ability to work overtime, varying hours, shifts, and weekends to support critical mission milestones.
  • Ability to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces; physically able to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.
  • Ability to perform in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment.

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental
Vision
PTO
401k

How this job compares in Long Beach, CA

Pay in context

At roughly $39/hr, this posting lands within a few percent of the $42/hr median for welding jobs in Long Beach, CA, whose middle half runs $31–$63/hr across 34 postings with published pay. Put another way, it pays more than about 47% of the comparable postings we have wage data for. In other words it is a market-rate offer, so benefits, overtime, and shift schedule are where the real difference between this and the next posting on the list shows up.

The local market in Long Beach, CA

We're tracking 38 other active welding openings in Long Beach, CA right now, from 14 different employers. 15 of them were added in the last week. Across California as a whole we're tracking 627 other active welding openings from 306 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in Long Beach, or widen the search to California.

Vast currently has 11 other openings live in California, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.

The most active employers in California at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are SpaceX (31), Aerotek (16), and Volt (16). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within California, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Redondo Beach at $51/hr, Santa Ana at $48/hr, and Long Beach at $42/hr. Long Beach is among them.

Similar openings near Long Beach, CA

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Fluid Test Technician figures were last recalculated when this page was built.