Mechanisms Engineer
About The Position
Vast is seeking a Mechanisms Engineer to support the development of space mechanisms, reporting to the Sr. Manager of Mechanisms. The role involves developing mechanisms from ideation through flight, including design, analysis, build, test, and iteration. Examples include motorized assemblies, linkages, spring/damper systems, rotating hardware, and crew-operated assemblies. The engineer will own critical spacecraft hardware and systems and work with the production team to translate designs into spacecraft. This is a full-time, exempt position located at Vast’s Long Beach, California location. The role may require up to 10% travel to remote sites and vendors.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or similar engineering.
- At least 2 years of experience designing, building, and/or testing mechanisms, structures, valves, or other mechanical systems.
Nice To Haves
- Thrive in a team emphasizing rapid prototyping, quick iteration, and a bias toward action.
- Strong understanding of spacecraft and/or launch vehicle mechanisms and mechanical assemblies.
- Experience with NX/Teamcenter or other CAD packages such as PTC Creo or CATIA, and a solid understanding and application of GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
- Professional or project experience with FEMAP, ANSYS, or similar FEA software, and a good understanding of fatigue, fracture, and crack propagation.
- Knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques, processes, equipment, and processes such as machining, welding, riveting, bending, and assembly.
- Good understanding of and experience working with aerospace materials, including metals, plastics, and composites.
- Solid understanding of test methods and setups and data acquisition systems.
- Ability to perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals and make clear recommendations with partial information.
- Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight.
- Ability to work effectively in an integrated, collaborative team, including frequent interactions with technicians, engineers, managers, and support teams.
- High self-motivation and strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills; ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment while pursuing continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Develop mechanisms from ideation to flight through design, analysis, building, testing, and iteration.
- Own critical spacecraft hardware and systems, taking responsibility for the hardware.
- Interface with the production team to ensure successful translation of designs into spacecraft.
Benefits
- Company equity for full-time employees.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
- Paid time off, including vacation of up to 20+ days for exempt staff and up to 10+ days 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.
- Other discounts and perks.
- Free snacks, drip coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals; subsidized lunch.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
