Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Control Systems

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental hardware-rich and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station 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. Haven Demos 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 worlds first commercial space station when it launches in 2027 followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally the company recently announced Vast Satellite a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.

Headquartered in Long Beach California and with more than 1000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate Americas next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars dedicated space stations for government partners and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

Vast is looking for Mechanical Engineer Thermal Control Systems to help develop the systems behind our human-rated space stations. Youll use your engineering knowledge and creativity to design build and test novel solutions at the cutting edge of space technology.

This will be a full-time exempt position located in our Long Beach CA location.

• Own the design and development of thermal control systems and components for our artificial-gravity space station such as heat exchangers cold plates heaters and heat pipes from initial design trades through a fully validated system.
• Lead thermal and fluid analyses and use the results to drive design decisions and define margins.
• Perform systems engineering for your hardware including requirements interfaces and verification by test analysis inspection or demonstration.
• Lead development and qualification testing and iterate on designs and manufacturing processes in a fast-paced environment.
• Own the delivery timeline for your hardware from early design through production launch and orbit insertion.
• Lead internal design reviews and technical reviews with suppliers and customers.
• Partner with avionics software and mission operations teams to make sure your system integrates across the station.
• Make sure designs are manufacturable and reliable working with fabricators technicians and suppliers to resolve issues.

• B.S. in mechanical aerospace or civil engineering physics mathematics or a related technical field.
• 2 years of experience designing and developing mechanical components or systems.
  • 2-4 years of experience for Mechanical Engineer II
  • 4-6 years of experience for Senior Mechanical Engineer
• Proficiency with 3D CAD and FEA software packages.
• Experience implementing and analyzing GD&T per ASME Y14.5.

• Design of structures and components for a high-performance vehicle or spacecraft.
• Experience with design work in recent versions of NX and Teamcenter.
• Experience with thermal and structural analysis using Ansys Femap/Nastran Abaqus or similar tools.
• Experience implementing and analyzing GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Proactive problem-solving skills including failure analysis and root cause investigation.
• Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with spacecraft specifications and environmental test standards such as SMC-S-016 NASA-STD-5001 and MIL-STD-810.

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.

• Mechanical Engineer/ Level I: $86100.00 - $122220.00
• Mechanical Engineer/ Level II: $112340.00 - $159468.00
• Senior Mechanical Engineer/ Level III: $137760.00 - $195552.00

We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidates experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.

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: 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 and 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 Vasts 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 by22 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.