Advanced Engineering Internship Program – Avionics & System Test

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are dedicated to developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies. Our work enables advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocks a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers.

Vast employs an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach to rapidly develop its multi-module Haven Station. Following the success of Haven Demo in 2025, Vast proudly stands as the only operational commercial space station company to have flown and operated its own spacecraft. The next milestone, Haven-1, is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station upon its launch, with additional Haven modules planned to enable permanent human presence by 2030.

Our team is fully committed to safely and timely executing our mission. If you are passionate about furthering space exploration for humanity and wish to work alongside some of the most talented individuals, we invite you to join us.

The Internship Program

Vast offers an advanced engineering internship program providing hands-on opportunities to design and build space hardware and software. Interns play a crucial role in developing systems essential for the operation of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

Our interns are mentored by industry experts to solve challenging real-world engineering problems across various teams. This is a 12-week internship program located at our HQ in Long Beach, CA.

We have specialized engineering internship postings across different areas of focus (Mechanical/Aerospace, Manufacturing, Electrical, Software). Please ensure you apply only to the posting most relevant to your background.

Responsibilities / Key Focus Areas

Responsibilities will vary based on each intern’s area of expertise. For this specific posting, we are seeking candidates with experience in the following engineering disciplines:

• Avionics, E-2
• Avionics System Test

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program from an accredited college or university in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or other related engineering disciplines.
• Ability to work full-time onsite in Long Beach, CA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Application of technical skills outside of the classroom (e.g., extracurricular projects, volunteering, personal projects, laboratory research, or prior internship/work experience).
• Proficiency in Circuit Design Software (e.g., Altium, LT Spice, etc.).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a professional team environment.
• Eagerness to learn and adapt in a dynamic startup environment.
• Demonstrated engineering problem-solving capabilities.
• Self-directed with a positive attitude and strong team spirit.

Pay Range: California

$35—$40 USD

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Please note that the following benefits primarily apply to full-time employees; specific internship benefits will be discussed during the interview process, though many workplace perks extend to all team members.

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.
• Exceptional food perks: snacks, drip coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals remain free of charge, with 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. Therefore, candidates 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.