Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast 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. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.
Headquartered in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.
Vast is looking for a Mechanical Engineer reporting to the Manager, Structures Design, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. The Structures and Dynamics team covers a wide range of components and responsibilities: from the primary pressure hull, to MMOD shielding, engineered soft goods, and establishing design loads and factors, as well as supporting other teams’ design needs across the company.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach, CA location.
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 sub systems.
- Work with fabricators and technicians to improve designs, develop processes, and resolve issues
Minimum Qualifications:
- 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 Range:
- Mechanical Engineer I: $86,100- $122,220
- Mechanical Engineer II: $112,340- $159,468
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.
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: 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, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, civil engineering, physics, or mathematics
- 2+ years of experience with CAD and FEA software packages
- 2+ years of experience designing and developing mechanical components or systems
- Experience designing structures and components for a high-performance vehicle or spacecraft
- Failure analysis and root cause investigation experience
- Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing setting
- Experience with recent versions of NX and Teamcenter
- Experience with recent versions of Ansys, Femap/Nastran, or Abaqus
- Experience implementing and analyzing GD&T per ASME Y14.5
- Familiarity with spacecraft specifications including SMC-S-016 and NASA-STD-5001
Vast Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Vast and has not been reviewed or approved by Vast.
-
Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive, including medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents. Several postings also indicate day-one eligibility and strong employer-paid coverage, complemented by mental-health support.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off programs include generous PTO with an annual cash-out option and paid parental leave. Job descriptions outline substantial vacation allowances, with structured differences by employment type.
-
Fair & Transparent Compensation — Employer-provided salary ranges are clearly listed on recent postings, signaling a market-aware approach to cash compensation. Publicly shared ranges and role descriptions align with a pay-forward stance for the Southern California aerospace market.
Vast Insights
What We Do
Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure 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. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2026, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. With more than 1,000 employees at its Long Beach, California headquarters and over a billion dollars in private capital invested, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.
Gallery
