Manufacturing Engineering, Fluid Systems

Employer description

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 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 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 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s 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 a Manufacturing Engineer, Fluid Systems, to help develop the systems behind our human-rated space stations. You'll 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. 

Responsibilities: 

• Conceptualize, develop, and manufacture innovative tube-bending and welding cells to meet the demanding requirements of the Haven-1 program
• Lead first-build and test efforts, including design integration, assembly sequencing, mBOM development, work order creation, and specification authoring
• Create and maintain detailed manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, and work instructions to ensure consistent, accurate production of all tubing systems
• Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges through root-cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions
• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to challenge assumptions, push boundaries, and drive efficient human-spaceflight production within aggressive timelines
• Collaborate closely with design engineers, integration engineers, production teams, and external vendors to execute builds expediently and efficiently
• Develop efficient, capability-driven tooling solutions that streamline production, increase system output, and reduce operational burden
• Partner with quality assurance teams to establish and maintain rigorous quality control processes
• Establish and maintain standard practices, troubleshooting guides, and standardized repair procedures; review and approve all related planning documents
• Support day-to-day production of bent tubes, orbital tube welding (OTW), and manually welded tubing, ensuring optimal efficiency and adherence to quality standards
• Evaluate and challenge existing production and design requirements for tubing assemblies, using data-driven insights to eliminate waste and optimize the manufacturing process
• Continuously streamline and improve production systems by proactively identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall product quality

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing or electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field
• 2 + years of manufacturing experience managing a product/product line across multiple work centers and/or departments, fluid, pressurized, propulsion, or environmental control hardware in design, manufacturing, or test
• 2-4+ years of experience for Manufacturing Engineer II
• 4-6+ years of experience for Senior Manufacturing Engineer
• Hands-on fabrication, assembly, and/or integration experience; CAD proficiency (NX preferred)
• Experience with CAD tools (e.g., Siemens NX) and the ability to review designs, generate manufacturing documentation, and design assembly or test tooling

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Hands-on experience building or testing hardware, in industry or through student teams such as Formula SAE, rocketry, CubeSat, or robotics
• Experience with aerospace, spacecraft, propulsion, or other safety-critical or high-reliability hardware
• Experience taking designs or processes from concept through build or test, and from R&D to production
• Familiarity with CAD tools, ideally Siemens NX, and PLM tools such as Teamcenter
• Exposure to thermal or structural analysis using Ansys, or similar tools
• Awareness of aerospace workmanship, design, and environmental test standards such as IPC, SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5001, or MIL-STD-810
• Proficiency applying GD&T
• Strong problem-solving skills, including troubleshooting and structured root cause analysis
• Strong attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to work well in cross-functional teams
• Senior Level: experience mentoring engineers or technicians and managing multiple projects at once

Additional Requirements:

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

Pay Ranges:

• Engineer/ Level I: $86,100.00 - $122,220.00
• Engineer/ Level II: $112,340.00 - $159,468.00
• Senior Engineer/ Level III: $137,760.00 - $195,552.00
  
  

We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's 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 Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.

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.