Fluid Systems Engineering

Vast•Long Beach, CA

13h•Onsite

About The Position

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 Fluid Systems Engineer to support the design, development, manufacturing, and integration of fluid systems across our space station and spacecraft programs. Our fluid systems span environmental and thermal control (ECLSS/TCS), pressurized gas and propellant systems, electric propulsion feed systems, and ground support equipment — all of which are absolutely critical to the safety, performance, and reliability of our crew and spacecraft. As a Fluid Systems Engineer at Vast, you will work hands-on alongside technicians, manufacturing engineers, and cross-functional teams to bring fluid systems to life in a fast-paced, high-ownership environment. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, brings deep hands-on experience with fluid hardware, and can move fluidly between design, analysis, and the shop floor. This is a full-time, exempt position located at our Long Beach office.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline
Experience with fluid, pressurized, propulsion, or environmental control hardware in design, manufacturing, or test
Hands-on fabrication, assembly, integration, and/or testing experience
CAD proficiency (NX preferred)
Strong problem-solving, root cause analysis, and communication skills

Nice To Haves

Direct ownership of flight or high-reliability fluid hardware from design through test
Hands-on experience with AN/MS/VCR fittings, brazed and welded joints, valves, pumps, heat exchangers, and pressurized gas systems
Experience with EP propellant feed systems for Hall-effect or ion thruster applications
Knowledge of fluid fundamentals: pressure drop, flow, sealing, leak paths, and cleanliness control
Experience with oxygen-clean or precision-clean hardware and cleanliness verification
GD&T proficiency (ASME Y14.5) and tolerance stack-up analysis
Structural analysis experience: FEMAP, Nastran, or ANSYS
Familiarity with NX/Teamcenter and PLM or MES systems
Experience supporting first article builds in a fast-paced aerospace or commercial space environment

Responsibilities

Own design, development, and delivery of fluid system hardware from concept through flight across ECLSS, TCS, or propulsion programs
Perform fluid analyses, trade studies, and systems engineering tasks using first principles to drive clear design decisions
Design and develop pressurized hardware including tanks, valves, regulators, pumps, heat exchangers, tubing, and fittings
Execute build, assembly, and integration of fluid hardware on the shop floor alongside technicians
Support proof, leak, functional, and environmental testing including pressure decay, helium leak, burst, and TVAC
Disposition nonconformances and drive root cause investigation and corrective action
Interface with power, thermal, GNC, and avionics teams to ensure clean subsystem integration
Lead design reviews with internal teams, suppliers, and customers