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 NDE Level 2, RT reporting to the Manager, NDT 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 radiographic testing (RT) on components, assemblies, and materials to identify and evaluate defects.
- Interpret and evaluate radiographic images in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and procedures.
- Set up, calibrate, and operate radiographic equipment, ensuring safe and effective operation.
- Prepare detailed inspection reports and maintain accurate records of findings.
- Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to address nonconformities and propose solutions.
- Follow and enforce all safety guidelines, including radiation safety protocols.
- Assist in developing and maintaining NDE procedures and processes.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and customer requirements.
- Provide training and guidance to junior technicians as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certification or associate degree preferred.
- Current NDE Level II certification in Radiographic Testing (RT) in accordance with ASNT, NAS410, or equivalent standards.
- Radiation safety certification is required.
- Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on experience in non-film RT within aerospace, manufacturing, or a related industry.
- Experience interpreting complex radiographic images and working with advanced materials is a plus.
- Strong understanding of NDE principles, methods, and standards (e.g., ASTM, ASME).
- Proficiency in the use of radiographic testing equipment and software.
- Exceptional attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
- Familiarity with other NDE methods (e.g., UT, PT, MT) is advantageous.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Additional nondestructive evaluation Level II certifications in line with ASNT TC-1A, NAS-410, or DOD guidance in one of the following methods: Eddy current (ET), radiography (RT), digital radiography (DR), dye penetrant (PT), visual inspection (VT), computed radiography (CR), ultrasonic (UT), ultrasonic shear wave (UTSW), or magnetic particle (MT)
- Operational experience using one of the listed NDE methods for the inspection of weldments
- 2+ years of experience as a level II nondestructive evaluation/testing inspector
- Experience performing NDE testing within the aerospace industry
- American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft applications including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.
- Experience inspecting advanced materials such as high strength aluminum alloys, precipitation hardened steels, inconel, monel, titanium, and maraging steel (super alloys)
- Knowledge of NASA 5009 standards
- Knowledge of AMS, AWS/ASME, ASTM, standards
- Experience with problem solving tools and techniques including: practical problem solving (PPS), and eight disciplines (8D)
- Basic understanding of Lean principles: 5S, Kaizen, continuous improvement initiative
Additional Requirements:
- Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
- Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted
Pay Range
- NDE Level 2 Inspector, RT Level II: $29.00 - $41.00
- NDE Level 2 Inspector, RT Level III: $37.00 - $53.00
Salary Range: California
$29—$53 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.
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.
Top Skills
What We Do
Vast is developing artificial gravity space stations to expand humanity across the solar system.
Vast’s mission is to enable large populations of humans to live and work in space, permanently.
Our solar system has the resources and room for humanity to thrive and expand without destroying Earth’s biosphere. Unlocking these resources requires in-space infrastructure and industry at an unprecedented scale.
We are building a world-class team to engineer the human experience in space.
Why Work With Us
We're developing artificial gravity space stations to expand humanity across the solar system in order to enable large populations to live and work in space. Not only is what we're working on groundbreaking, but the team prides itself on living by our values of respect, curiosity, action, and excellence making it a lot more fun to achieve our goal.
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