Mechanical Engineer, Structures

About the role

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. We are looking for a Mechanical Engineer to support the development of systems required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

This full-time, exempt position is located in Long Beach, CA, and reports to the Manager, Structures Design. The Structures and Dynamics team covers a wide range of components and responsibilities, including the primary pressure hull, MMOD shielding, engineered soft goods, design loads and factors, and supporting other teams’ design needs across the company.

Responsibilities

• Own design of primary and secondary structures on a large-scale space station.
• Develop understanding of static and dynamic loads, vibrations, thermal, and other environmental considerations to drive design decisions.
• Perform mechanical design and analysis, develop manufacturing drawings, test plans, concept of operations, and follow hardware through the entire process.
• Lead trades and own interfaces with subsystems.
• Work with fabricators and technicians to improve designs, develop processes, and resolve issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, civil engineering, physics, or math.
• 2+ years experience with CAD and FEA software packages.
• 2+ years of experience designing and developing mechanical components or systems.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Design of structures and components for a high-performance vehicle or spacecraft.
• Proactive problem-solving skills such as failure analysis and root cause investigation.
• Prior experience in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
• Design work in recent versions of NX, Teamcenter.
• Analysis work in recent versions of Ansys, Femap/Nastran, Abaqus.
• Experience with GD&T implementation and analysis (ASME Y14.5).
• Familiarity with spacecraft specifications such as SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5001.

Pay

Base salary ranges:

• Mechanical Engineer I: $80,000 – $110,000
• Mechanical Engineer II: $100,000 – $142,100
• Senior Mechanical Engineer: $135,800 – $176,400
• California-specific range: $86,100 – $159,468 USD

Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is one component of a comprehensive compensation package that includes company equity and benefits.

Benefits

• 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 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.
• Exceptional food perks: free snacks, drip coffee, onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals; subsidized lunch.

U.S. export control compliance: The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls and must be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing.