Manager, Machining Engineering

Vast • Long Beach, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations 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. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. 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, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. 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 Manager, Machining Engineering, reporting to the Senior Manager, Advanced Manufacturing, to support the development of the systems that will be 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Aerospace Engineering (or related field).
• 7+ years of experience in machining, manufacturing engineering, or precision hardware production, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership or management role.
• Willingness to work extended hours, evenings, or weekends to support mission-critical operations.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Proven experience leading and developing engineering teams, including mentorship, performance management, and professional growth.
• Deep expertise in CNC machining, process optimization, and production scaling for high-precision components (e.g., aerospace, propulsion, or space hardware).
• Strong understanding of GD&T, process control, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to set strategy and delegate effectively while maintaining technical oversight.
• Strong familiarity with AS9100D and NASA 6030 standards.
• Experience with metal additive manufacturing and hybrid manufacturing systems.
• Track record of implementing lean manufacturing and data-driven process improvement.
• Proficiency with NX, SolidWorks, and manufacturing simulation/CAM software.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and presentation skills — able to influence across all organizational levels.
• Experience in propulsion hardware or flight-critical structure development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the machining engineering organization, including hiring, mentoring, and building a strong technical culture focused on accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
• Define and execute the machining strategy for the company, aligning capabilities, capacity, and technology roadmaps with program goals and future vehicle requirements.
• Drive technical excellence across machining processes, ensuring consistent quality, repeatability, and scalability through robust process control systems.
• Oversee and delegate project execution to staff and senior engineers, providing technical direction while empowering the team to take ownership of outcomes.
• Build and maintain a skills matrix for the machining team to identify development needs, close capability gaps, and ensure workforce readiness for upcoming programs.
• Establish and maintain engineering standards, specifications, and procedures to ensure AS9100D and NASA 6030 compliance across all machining operations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with design, production, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure manufacturability, cost efficiency, and schedule alignment.
• Identify and integrate new technologies, including additive/subtractive hybrid systems, advanced materials, and automation, to expand internal capability and reduce lead times.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and continuous improvement initiatives, promoting a data-driven, lean mindset across the organization.
• Represent the machining function at the executive and program level, providing strategic insight, capacity planning, and long-term resource forecasting.

Benefits

• 100% 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager