Senior Mechanical Engineer, Structures

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 Senior Mechanical Engineer, Structures, reporting to the Manager, Structures Design, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. 

The Structures and Dynamics team covers a wide range of components and responsibilities: from the primary pressure hull, to MMOD shielding, engineered soft goods, and establishing design loads and factors, as well as supporting other teams’ design needs across the company.

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

Responsibilities: 

• Own design of primary and secondary structures on a large scale space station.
• Develop understanding of static and dynamic loads, vibrations, thermal and other environmental considerations to drive design decisions.
• Perform mechanical design and analysis, develop manufacturing drawings, test plans, concept of operations, and follow hardware through the entire process.
• Lead trades and own interfaces with sub systems.
• Work with fabricators and technicians to improve designs, develop processes, and resolve issues. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, civil engineering, physics, or math.
• 4+ years experience with CAD and FEA software packages.
• 4+ years of experience designing and developing mechanical components or systems.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Design of structures and components for a high-performance vehicle or spacecraft.
• Proactive problem-solving skills such as failure analysis and root cause investigation.
• Prior experience in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
• Design work in recent versions of NX/ Teamcenter.
• Analysis work in  recent versions of Ansys, Femap/Nastran, Abaqus.
• Experience with GD&T implementation and analysis (ASME Y14.5).
• Familiarity with spacecraft specifications such as SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5001.

Pay Range: 

• Senior Mechanical Engineer: $137,760- $195,552
• Staff Mechanical Engineer: $162,360 - $230,472

Pay Range: California$135,800—$230,472 USDCOMPENSATION 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, 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 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.