Electrical Engineer @ VAST

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 August 2025. 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 an Electrical Engineer, reporting to the Director of E-2 Engineering, to create the world’s highest performing engine for small launchers, while optimizing for production and low cost. In this role, you will join a team with exciting momentum that has produced and successfully tested a full turbo-pump assembly, thrust chamber assembly, and oxygen-rich pre-burner. You will be a key member who will help develop electronics for a fully integrated engine and test stand.

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

Responsibilities:

Responsible Engineer for E-2 test stand and development engine electronics
Procure, calibrate, install, and troubleshoot instrumentation for E-2 test stand and engine
Improve and troubleshoot test stand ECU and DAQ
Integrate flight computer and integrated power bus into E-2 test stand then engine
Design circuit boards and electronics for various test stand and engine needs
Integrate throttle motors with circuit boards and control system on engine
Responsible for wiring harness and mounting avionics on E-2 engine and test stand
Create electronics schematics and models/drawings of parts and assemblies. Perform calculations and analyses with team support
Work with our team to build propulsion component assemblies and the full engine to test at NASA Stennis Space Center
Create schematics; write procedures, work instructions, and document processes
Conduct tests of propulsion components and the full engine with our team at NASA Stennis Center
Communicate effectively with entire team to regularly provide updates on progress and issues
Always follow proper safety procedures and wear personal protective equipment in the workplace

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
1+ years of experience with electronics design, development, fabrication, assembly, or test (internships included)

Preferred Skills and Experience:

Ability to work as a teammate and independently to achieve ambitious goals
Hands-on engineering (Full-stack: computer to wrench to broom)
Electronics and circuit boards
Communication (Written, visual, slides)
Coding (MATLAB, C++, javascript, C, Arduino)
CAD (NX preferred)
Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
Problem-solving
Capable to grow positive, respectful, and professional relationships
Willing to make mistakes, take responsibilities, work independently and be transparent about your work

Additional Requirements:

Must be willing to travel (up to 50%) to NASA Stennis Space Center
Able to lift 25 lbs unassisted
Work in an outdoor environment exposed to extreme weather conditions
Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones

Salary Range: California

$100,000—$170,000 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 15 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, free catered meals and snacks and beverages, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.

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.

Compensation Overview

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth