Tooling Engineer I

About the role

Vast is looking for a Tooling Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager of Tooling, to support the development of the systems required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This is a full-time, exempt position located in Long Beach.

Responsibilities

• Own the design, activation, implementation, and support fabrication of fixtures and tooling required for Haven-1 assembly, lifting, and handling.
• Work with Integration and Manufacturing to define vehicle integration flow, manufacturing process, concepts, and tooling interfaces.
• Collaborate with vehicle engineering and production to define fixture and tooling specifications, qualification plans, and introduce to production.
• Perform mechanical analysis for spacecraft fixtures.
• Develop operation and maintenance plans for all test fixtures and tooling.
• Assist the facilities manager(s) in all aspects of project implementation as needed.
• Manage schedule on assigned projects including critical next steps, deadlines, and outcome.
• Manage vendor relationships and coordinate meetings to identify new technologies and how they can be applied to Vast’s cutting-edge applications.
• Develop, test, and implement tool improvements to yield time savings or tolerance improvements.
• Coordinate tooling modifications related to part, production, or other changes.
• Work closely with engineering stakeholders and technicians to solve production-related issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or other engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience in aerospace/mechanical/automotive design and/or tooling (University capstone/competitive projects and prior internship experience may apply).
• 1+ years of experience in NX or other 3D CAD packages.
• Hands-on experience with handling, lifting, or building engineered assemblies.
• Experience making and running FEA models on structural components.
• Knowledge of project planning and execution practices, including logic-linked schedule management.
• Strong communication skills.
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with work orders and assembly instructions.
• Design of pneumatic, electrical, or hydraulic motion systems.
• Critical lifting and break-over fixtures.
• Integration tooling design.
• A passion for hardware development, including working in a fast-paced environment and hands-on design and development.

Pay

California pay range: $86,000—$122,000 USD. Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand.

Benefits

• Company equity for full-time employees.
• 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.