Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Control Systems

Vast•Long Beach, CA

3d•$86,100 - $195,552•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 Mechanical Engineer, Thermal Control 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.

Requirements

B.S. in mechanical, aerospace, or civil engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field.
2+ years of experience designing and developing mechanical components or systems.
2-4+ years of experience for Mechanical Engineer II
4-6+ years of experience for Senior Mechanical Engineer
Proficiency with 3D CAD and FEA software packages.
Experience implementing and analyzing GD&T per ASME Y14.5.

Nice To Haves

Design of structures and components for a high-performance vehicle or spacecraft.
Experience with design work in recent versions of NX and Teamcenter.
Experience with thermal and structural analysis using Ansys, Femap/Nastran, Abaqus, or similar tools.
Experience implementing and analyzing GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
Proactive problem-solving skills, including failure analysis and root cause investigation.
Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Familiarity with spacecraft specifications and environmental test standards such as SMC-S016, NASA-STD-5001, and MIL-STD-810.

Responsibilities

Own the design and development of thermal control systems and components for our artificial-gravity space station, such as heat exchangers, cold plates, heaters, and heat pipes, from initial design trades through a fully validated system.
Lead thermal and fluid analyses, and use the results to drive design decisions and define margins.
Perform systems engineering for your hardware, including requirements, interfaces, and verification by test, analysis, inspection, or demonstration.
Lead development and qualification testing, and iterate on designs and manufacturing processes in a fast-paced environment.
Own the delivery timeline for your hardware from early design through production, launch, and orbit insertion.
Lead internal design reviews and technical reviews with suppliers and customers.
Partner with avionics, software, and mission operations teams to make sure your system integrates across the station.
Make sure designs are manufacturable and reliable, working with fabricators, technicians, and suppliers to resolve issues.