At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations 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. 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, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. 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 seeking a Fluid Systems Manufacturing Engineer to join our team in Long Beach. Reporting to the Manager of Fluid Systems Manufacturing, this role will play a key part in developing the systems required for the design and build of the world’s first artificial-gravity, human-rated space stations.
This is a full-time, exempt position based in Long Beach, California.
- Conceptualize, develop, and manufacture innovative tube-bending and welding cells to meet the demanding requirements of the Haven-1 program. Lead first-build and test efforts, including design integration, assembly sequencing, mBOM development, work order creation, and specification authoring.
- Create and maintain detailed manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, and work instructions to ensure consistent, accurate production of all tubing systems.
- Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges through root-cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions.
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to challenge assumptions, push boundaries, and drive efficient human-spaceflight production within aggressive timelines.
- Collaborate closely with design engineers, integration engineers, production teams, and external vendors to execute builds expediently and efficiently.
- Develop efficient, capability-driven tooling solutions that streamline production, increase system output, and reduce operational burden.
- Partner with quality assurance teams to establish and maintain rigorous quality control processes.
- Establish and maintain standard practices, troubleshooting guides, and standardized repair procedures; review and approve all related planning documents.
- Support day-to-day production of bent tubes, orbital tube welding (OTW), and manually welded tubing, ensuring optimal efficiency and adherence to quality standards.
- Evaluate and challenge existing production and design requirements for tubing assemblies, using data-driven insights to eliminate waste and optimize the manufacturing process.
- Continuously streamline and improve production systems by proactively identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall product quality.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Hands-on experience in one or more of the following: tube bending, orbital tube welding (OTW), TIG welding, precision cleaning, tooling design, fluid systems design, or pressure testing.
- 2+ years of manufacturing engineering experience (internships and extracurricular engineering experience acceptable), preferably within aerospace, oil & gas, or pharmaceutical industries.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
- Comfortable working in a rapidly changing, high-stress environment balancing several projects at any given time.
- Strong understanding of fluid systems.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to perform root cause analysis.
- Hands-on experience with testing and troubleshooting fluids components and systems is desirable.
Additional Requirements:
- Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
Pay Range:
- Staff Manufacturing Engineer: $150,000 - $196,000
- Senior Manufacturing Engineer: $120,000 - $160,720
- Manufacturing Engineer II: $100,000 - $129,360
- Manufacturing Engineer I: $85,000 - $106,820
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
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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.
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