New Graduate Engineer / Emerging Talent 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.

As a New Graduate Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. If you are a recent graduate with a strong academic background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, and you’re eager to contribute to cutting-edge projects, we invite you to explore the possibilities with us.

Responsibilities vary slightly from team to team. Opportunities available in Long Beach, CA (Headquarters), Mojave, CA (Test Site) and Hawthorne, CA.

Responsibilities:

Apply your prior knowledge to real world applications in the space industry
Work collaboratively with a talented team of experienced and diverse engineers

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) for 3D modeling and simulation

Preferred Qualifications:

6+ months of prior internship experience
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
Engineering problem solving capabilities
Application of technical skills outside of the classroom (examples include: extracurricular projects, volunteering, personal projects, laboratory research, or prior internship/work experience)
Self-directed with a positive attitude and team spirit

Teams you could be a part of:

Structures and Mechanisms
ECLSS (Environmental Control and Life Support Systems)
Human Systems
Manufacturing
Thermal
Hardware Development
Propulsion
Propulsion Testing
Additive Manufacturing

Additional Requirements:

Ability to be on site daily at our HQ in Long Beach, Hawthorne or Mojave
Ability to work evenings and/or weekends as needed

Salary Range: California

$90,000—$108,000 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