Manufacturing Engineer - Fluid Systems

About the role

Vast is seeking a Fluid Systems Manufacturing Engineer to join our team in Long Beach. Reporting to the Manager of Fluid Systems Manufacturing, this role will play a key part in developing the systems required for the design and build of the world’s first artificial-gravity, human-rated space stations.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, develop, and manufacture innovative tube-bending and welding cells to meet the demanding requirements of the Haven-1 program.
• Lead first-build and test efforts, including design integration, assembly sequencing, mBOM development, work order creation, and specification authoring.
• Create and maintain detailed manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, and work instructions to ensure consistent, accurate production of all tubing systems.
• Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges through root-cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions.
• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to challenge assumptions, push boundaries, and drive efficient human-spaceflight production within aggressive timelines.
• Collaborate closely with design engineers, integration engineers, production teams, and external vendors to execute builds expediently and efficiently.
• Develop efficient, capability-driven tooling solutions that streamline production, increase system output, and reduce operational burden.
• Partner with quality assurance teams to establish and maintain rigorous quality control processes.
• Establish and maintain standard practices, troubleshooting guides, and standardized repair procedures; review and approve all related planning documents.
• Support day-to-day production of bent tubes, orbital tube welding (OTW), and manually welded tubing, ensuring optimal efficiency and adherence to quality standards.
• Evaluate and challenge existing production and design requirements for tubing assemblies, using data-driven insights to eliminate waste and optimize the manufacturing process.
• Continuously streamline and improve production systems by proactively identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall product quality.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Hands-on experience in one or more of the following: tube bending, orbital tube welding (OTW), TIG welding, precision cleaning, tooling design, fluid systems design, or pressure testing.
• 2+ years of manufacturing engineering experience (internships and extracurricular engineering experience acceptable), preferably within aerospace, oil & gas, or pharmaceutical industries.
• Preferred Skills & Experience:
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Comfortable working in a rapidly changing, high-stress environment balancing several projects at any given time.
• Strong understanding of fluid systems.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to perform root cause analysis.
• Hands-on experience with testing and troubleshooting fluids components and systems is desirable.

Qualifications

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.

Pay Range

Staff Manufacturing Engineer: $160,000 - $230,000
Senior Manufacturing Engineer: $137,000 - $190,720
Manufacturing Engineer II: $100,000 - $129,360
Manufacturing Engineer I: $85,000 - $106,820

Benefits

Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 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.

Equal Opportunity

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.