At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in August 2025. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.
Vast is looking for a Mechanical Engineer, reporting to the Director of E-2 Engineering, to create the world's highest performing engine for small launchers, while optimizing for production and low cost. This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Hawthorne location.
In this role, you will join a team with exciting momentum that has produced and successfully tested a full turbo-pump assembly, thrust chamber assembly, and oxygen-rich pre-burner. You will be a key team member helping complete the development of our E-2 engine to a completed and reliable high-performance product.
Responsibilities:
- Manufacturing:
- Work with our internal manufacturing team and external vendors to create finished E-2 parts.
- Support parts through 3d-printing, machining, post-processing, and inspection.
- Incorporate feedback to improve design for manufacturing.
- Design:
- Work with our team and Chief Designer Igor Nikishchenko to advance the design of E-2.
- Create models and drawings of parts and assemblies.
- Perform calculations and analyses with team support.
- Assembly:
- Work with our team to build propulsion component assemblies and the full engine to test at NASA Stennis Space Center.
- Documentation:
- Write procedures, work instructions, and document processes.
- Testing:
- Conduct tests of propulsion components and the full engine with our team at NASA Stennis Center.
- Build out the Vast E-2 Test Stand for full engine testing and maintain the stand.
- Troubleshoot fluid systems involving pressurized cylinders, regulators, tanks, valves, tubing, fittings, and other plumbing elements.
- Work with the avionics team to properly integrate sensors and actuators into test stands.
- Communicate effectively with entire team to regularly provide updates on progress and issues.
- Always follow proper safety procedures and wear personal protective equipment in the workplace.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
- 2+ years of CAD experience (NX preferred).
- 2+ years of industry experience with rocket engine or fluid system design, development, fabrication, assembly, or test (internships included.)
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Ability to work as a teammate and independently to achieve ambitious goals.
- Hands-on engineering (Full-stack: computer to wrench to broom).
- Communication (Written, visual, slides).
- Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
- Problem-solving.
- Capable to grow positive, respectful, and professional relationships.
- Willing to make mistakes, take responsibilities, work independently and be transparent about your work.
- Must be willing to spend 50% of their time at NASA Stennis Space Center (Fully paid travel and hotel while there).
- Must have a strong personal projects engineering portfolio (CAD, CAM, software, documentation).
- Able to lift 35 lbs unassisted.
- Able to stand for extended periods.
- Work in an outdoor environment exposed to extreme weather conditions.
- Flexibility to work overtime and adapt to a varying schedule.
- Experience with CFD, FEA (Ansys.)
- Experience with DAQs & Labview.
- Experience with CAM.
- Experience with coding (MATLAB, C++, javascript, C, Arduino.)
- General ‘making’ skills (Machining, CNC, welding, assembly.)
Salary Range: California
$80,000—$145,000 USD
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 15 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, free catered meals and snacks and beverages, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
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.
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What We Do
Vast is developing artificial gravity space stations to expand humanity across the solar system.
Vast’s mission is to enable large populations of humans to live and work in space, permanently.
Our solar system has the resources and room for humanity to thrive and expand without destroying Earth’s biosphere. Unlocking these resources requires in-space infrastructure and industry at an unprecedented scale.
We are building a world-class team to engineer the human experience in space.
Why Work With Us
We're developing artificial gravity space stations to expand humanity across the solar system in order to enable large populations to live and work in space. Not only is what we're working on groundbreaking, but the team prides itself on living by our values of respect, curiosity, action, and excellence making it a lot more fun to achieve our goal.
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