Mechanical Engineering, Structures

About the role

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low‑cost approach. The company is rapidly building 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. Vast’s Haven Demo flew in 2025, making it the only operational commercial space‑station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Haven‑1 is slated to launch in 2027 as the world’s first commercial space station, followed by additional Haven modules. The firm also recently announced Vast Satellite, a high‑power satellite product line leveraging its space‑station components. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Vast employs over 1,000 people and has raised more than a billion dollars in private capital to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. Vast is seeking a Mechanical Engineer, Structures to help develop the systems behind its human‑rated space stations. This is a full‑time, exempt position located in Vast’s Long Beach, CA facility.

Responsibilities

• Own the design of primary and secondary structures for a large‑scale space station, from concept through flight hardware.
• Apply knowledge of static and dynamic loads, vibration, thermal, and other environments to drive design decisions and define design margins.
• Perform mechanical design and analysis, and release manufacturing drawings, test plans, and concepts of operations for your hardware.
• Lead trade studies, and own interfaces and interface control documents with other subsystems.
• Own requirements verification through test, analysis, inspection, or demonstration, and lead structural testing and qualification.
• Follow hardware through fabrication, assembly, and test, working with fabricators and technicians to improve designs, develop processes, and resolve issues.

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.

Skills

• 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‑S‑016, NASA‑STD‑5001, and MIL‑STD‑810.

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 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: snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals free of charge; lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s commitment to high‑quality meals for employees.

Pay

Mechanical Engineer/ Level I: $86,100.00 - $122,220.00
Mechanical Engineer/ Level II: $112,340.00 - $159,468.00
Senior Mechanical Engineer/ Level III: $137,760.00 - $195,552.00
We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability.

Schedule

Full‑time, exempt position.