Manufacturing Engineering, Thermal Control Verified today
About the role
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure. Haven Demo became operational in 2025, and Haven-1 is expected to launch in 2027 as the world's first commercial space station. We need a Manufacturing Engineer, Thermal Control Systems to help build the systems behind our human-rated spacecraft.
This is a full-time, exempt position in Long Beach, California.
What you will do
- Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for environmental and thermal control systems, balancing efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness
- Design, fabricate, and activate ground support equipment and test articles in partnership with technicians, with emphasis on pressurized ground systems
- Operate, troubleshoot, repair, maintain, and modify manufacturing and test equipment spanning vacuum to 20,000 psig, including pneumatic, hydraulic, oxygen, refrigerant, and data/control systems
- Author and maintain detailed manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, and work instructions for consistent production of TCS hardware
- Perform hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of components to ensure compliance with engineering specifications and industry standards
- Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges through root cause analysis and corrective action
- Collaborate with design teams to provide design-for-manufacturability feedback on thermal hardware such as tubing, heat exchangers, cold plates, pumps, fans, valves, heaters, filters, and MLI
- Partner with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery of high-quality components and review supplier manufacturing processes
- Collaborate with quality assurance teams to establish rigorous quality control processes
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and elevate product quality
Minimum qualifications
- B.S. in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing or electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or related technical field
- 2+ years of manufacturing experience managing a product or product line across multiple work centers or departments, with experience in fluid, pressurized, propulsion, or environmental control hardware in design, manufacturing, or test
- Hands-on fabrication, assembly, and/or integration experience
- CAD proficiency; Siemens NX preferred
- Ability to review designs, generate manufacturing documentation, and design assembly or test tooling
Preferred experience
- Hands-on experience building or testing hardware through Formula SAE, rocketry, CubeSat, or robotics teams
- Experience with aerospace, spacecraft, propulsion, or high-reliability hardware
- Experience taking designs or processes from concept through build or test, and from R&D to production
- Familiarity with PLM tools such as Teamcenter
- Thermal or structural analysis using Ansys or similar tools
- Awareness of aerospace standards such as IPC, SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5001, or MIL-STD-810
- Proficiency applying GD&T
- Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis skills
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work in cross-functional teams
- For Senior Level: experience mentoring engineers or technicians and managing multiple projects
Leveling
- Engineer/Level I: 2+ years experience; $86,100 to $122,220
- Engineer/Level II: 2-4+ years experience; $112,340 to $159,468
- Senior Engineer/Level III: 4-6+ years experience; $137,760 to $195,552
Compensation is calibrated to selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. Base salary varies with job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand.
Additional requirements
- Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
Compensation and benefits
Full-time employees receive company equity and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; 20+ days vacation for exempt staff with annual cash-out option; paid parental leave; short and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; ClassPass credits; mental healthcare through Spring Health. Free snacks, coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals; subsidized lunch.