Fluid Systems Engineering Verified today

About Vast

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Haven Demo's 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Haven-1 is expected to become the world's first commercial space station when it launches in 2027.

The Role

You will support the design, development, manufacturing, and integration of fluid systems across Haven Station and spacecraft programs. Fluid systems span environmental and thermal control (ECLSS/TCS), pressurized gas and propellant systems, electric propulsion feed systems, and ground support equipment. You will work hands-on alongside technicians, manufacturing engineers, and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, high-ownership environment.

Responsibilities

• Own design, development, and delivery of fluid system hardware from concept through flight across ECLSS, TCS, or propulsion programs
• Perform fluid analyses, trade studies, and systems engineering tasks using first principles to drive clear design decisions
• Design and develop pressurized hardware including tanks, valves, regulators, pumps, heat exchangers, tubing, and fittings
• Execute build, assembly, and integration of fluid hardware on the shop floor alongside technicians
• Support proof, leak, functional, and environmental testing including pressure decay, helium leak, burst, and TVAC
• Disposition nonconformances and drive root cause investigation and corrective action
• Interface with power, thermal, GNC, and avionics teams to ensure clean subsystem integration
• Lead design reviews with internal teams, suppliers, and customers

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline
• Experience with fluid, pressurized, propulsion, or environmental control hardware in design, manufacturing, or test
• Hands-on fabrication, assembly, integration, and/or testing experience
• CAD proficiency (NX preferred)
• Strong problem-solving, root cause analysis, and communication skills

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Direct ownership of flight or high-reliability fluid hardware from design through test
• Hands-on experience with AN/MS/VCR fittings, brazed and welded joints, valves, pumps, heat exchangers, and pressurized gas systems
• Experience with EP propellant feed systems for Hall-effect or ion thruster applications
• Knowledge of fluid fundamentals: pressure drop, flow, sealing, leak paths, and cleanliness control
• Experience with oxygen-clean or precision-clean hardware and cleanliness verification
• GD&T proficiency (ASME Y14.5) and tolerance stack-up analysis
• Structural analysis experience: FEMAP, Nastran, or ANSYS
• Familiarity with NX/Teamcenter and PLM or MES systems
• Experience supporting first article builds in a fast-paced aerospace or commercial space environment

Working Conditions

This is a full-time, exempt position located in Long Beach, California. Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones is required.

Export Control

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls. You must be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62, which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted (not pending).

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary varies depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Full-time employees receive company equity and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, paid time off (20+ days vacation for exempt staff), paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts. Vast provides free snacks, drip coffee, onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals, plus subsidized lunch.