Quality Inspector (1st and 2nd Shift)

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. 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 Quality Inspector (1st and 2nd Shift), reporting to the Manager of Quality, 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

• Perform in-process and final inspections on structures, mechanical subassemblies, and integrated hardware to verify compliance with engineering drawings and specifications
• Inspect machined parts, welded structures, tube assemblies, and installed components for workmanship, configuration, and conformance to requirements
• Use standard inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, thread gauges, borescopes, and torque tools to verify features and assembly requirements
• Verify hole locations, threaded inserts, edge margins, fastener installation, torque values, and overall fit and finish of assemblies
• Support integration activities by inspecting mechanical and avionics installations, bond operations, alignments, and closeouts to ensure proper build quality
• Identify and document nonconformances clearly and work with engineering and manufacturing teams to support resolution
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, ensuring adherence to FOD control and contamination prevention practices
• Communicate inspection status, issues, and risks to supervisors and cross-functional teams in a timely manner
• Train and mentor fellow inspectors and technicians on inspection methods, workmanship standards, and proper use of inspection tools to drive consistency across the team

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, including basic GD&T concepts
• Experience inspecting structural components, welded assemblies, tube hardware, and mechanical and avionics subassemblies
• Understanding of fastener installation, torque verification, and mechanical assembly processes
• Experience with tube inspection, thread verification, and surface condition evaluation
• Exposure to metrology equipment such as portable arms or laser trackers is a plus
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions in a production environment
• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively with technicians, engineers, and inspectors

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

• Quality Inspector III: $33/hr - $45/hr
• Senior Quality Inspector: $36.70/hr - $49.55/hr
• Quality Inspection Specialist l: $41.64/hr - $54.94/hr
• Quality Inspection Specialist ll: $46.20/hr - $60/hr

Pay Range: California

$33 — $60 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
• 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
• 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.

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.