Staff Manufacturing Engineer, Environmental Testing

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 Staff Manufacturing Engineer, Environmental Test reporting to the Senior Manager of Environmental Test, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. As an Environmental Test Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the development and manufacturing of advanced avionics systems for our portfolio of space products, including liquid rocket engines and a commercial space station. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams of design/test engineers and technicians to ensure the successful manufacturing, assembly, and integration of avionics components and wire harnesses, contributing to the overall success of the business. This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach, CA location.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
5 + years of experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in the aerospace or avionics industry
3+ years of experience in design and manufacturing of vibration test fixtures
3+ years of experience in design and manufacturing of thermal heat sinks and thermal vacuum fixtures
Understanding of SMC-S-016

Nice To Haves

Strong understanding of avionics systems, electronics manufacturing processes, and assembly techniques
Proficiency in CAD software (such as Siemens NX) for reviewing designs and creating manufacturing documentation
Familiarity with industry standards and regulations relevant to avionics manufacturing, such as IPC standards
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to perform root cause analysis
Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross- functional teams
Hands-on experience with testing and troubleshooting avionics systems is desirable
Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies is a plus
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work

Responsibilities

Collaborate with design teams to provide input on the manufacturability and assembly processes of avionics components and wire harnesses
Develop and optimize manufacturing processes and onboard equipment for avionics systems, considering factors such as efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness
Create and maintain detailed manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, and work instructions to ensure consistent and accurate production of avionics systems
Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges by conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions
Work closely with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality avionics components, reviewing and approving supplier manufacturing processes
Perform hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of avionics systems, ensuring compliance with engineering specifications and industry standards
Participate in design reviews, providing valuable insights to improve the manufacturability and reliability of avionics components
Collaborate with quality assurance teams to establish and maintain rigorous quality control processes for avionics manufacturing
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall product quality
Stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in avionics manufacturing to drive innovation within the company