Senior Mechanical Engineer, Human Systems

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 a Senior Mechanical Engineer, reporting to the Principal Engineer of Human Systems, to support the development of the systems required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer on the Human Systems team, you will have a unique opportunity to build out the environment that humans in our space station will regularly interact with: displays and controls, cabins, galleys, medical accommodations, lighting, mobility aids, and more. You will partner with cross-functional teams like avionics, thermal systems, ECLSS, test, integration, and manufacturing to ensure high-quality human habitation systems are designed and built.

To be considered, please submit a resume and engineering portfolio of work.

Responsibilities:

Own full product development lifecycle of mechanical spacecraft systems from concept through production.

Gather requirements, study trade-offs, and define detailed specifications for mechanical components

Create DFMEA, statement of work, product specification, and engineering documentation.

Perform analysis on designs including hand calculations, FEA, and CAD

Execute design reviews internally and externally with suppliers and customers

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or physics

5+ years’ experience with CAD & FEA packages

5+ years’ experience leading design and development of mechanical components or systems

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Experience in human interface design

Experience in the aerospace, maritime, automotive, medical, or mining industries

Proficiency in standard manufacturing processes

Experience with electromechanical systems

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.