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 Mechanical Engineer I reporting to the Structures Department to help us with the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach, CA location with a start date of April 2025 or earlier.

The Structures team covers a wide range of components and responsibilities: from the primary pressure hull, to MMOD shielding, establishing loads and Factors of Safety, as well as supporting other teams mechanical design needs across the company.

Responsibilities:

Own the design of primary and secondary structures on a large scale space station.
Develop an 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, and concept of operations and follow hardware through the entire process.
Lead trades and own interfaces with all 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, or physics.
Internship or project experience with CAD and FEA software packages.
Internship or project 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 Ranges:

Mechanical Engineer I (Bachelor’s): $80,000 - $100,000
Mechanical Engineer I (Master’s): $90,000 - $105,000

Salary Range: California

$80,000—$105,000 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.

Mechanical Engineer I

Structures

VAST

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