Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Control Systems
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 developing 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 is looking for a Mechanical Engineer, Thermal Control Systems, to help develop the systems behind our human-rated space stations. You'll use your engineering knowledge and creativity to design, build, and test novel solutions at the cutting edge of space technology. This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach, CA location.
Responsibilities
- Own the design and development of thermal control systems and components for our artificial-gravity space station, such as heat exchangers, cold plates, heaters, and heat pipes, from initial design trades through a fully validated system.
- Lead thermal and fluid analyses, and use the results to drive design decisions and define margins.
- Perform systems engineering for your hardware, including requirements, interfaces, and verification by test, analysis, inspection, or demonstration.
- Lead development and qualification testing, and iterate on designs and manufacturing processes in a fast-paced environment.
- Own the delivery timeline for your hardware from early design through production, launch, and orbit insertion.
- Lead internal design reviews and technical reviews with suppliers and customers.
- Partner with avionics, software, and mission operations teams to make sure your system integrates across the station.
- Make sure designs are manufacturable and reliable, working with fabricators, technicians, and suppliers to resolve issues.
Qualifications
- 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.
Requirements
- Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
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. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.
Benefits
- Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand.
- Full-time employees also receive company equity.
- 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
- other discounts and perks
- Exceptional food perks: snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge; lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.