Mechanical Engineering, Avionics Verified today
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.
We are looking for a Mechanical Engineer, Avionics to help develop the systems behind our human-rated space stations. You will use your engineering knowledge and creativity to design, build, and test novel solutions at the cutting edge of space technology.
This is a full-time, exempt position located in Long Beach, CA.
Responsibilities
- Own the design of avionics enclosures and mounting solutions for high reliability in harsh environments, including batteries and crew-interfacing components.
- Partner with the electrical engineering team to design and package rugged printed circuit board assemblies, and influence board layout for thermal, structural, and mounting needs.
- Perform thermal and structural analyses, and use the results to drive design decisions.
- Lead trade studies, and own interface definition, specification, and interface control documents for your hardware.
- Design integration brackets and own the installation approach for avionics components on the space station.
- Create and release engineering drawings, and manage product configuration throughout the product lifecycle.
- Develop test plans, lead testing and qualification of flight hardware, and review and interpret results.
- Own requirements verification through test, analysis, inspection, or demonstration.
- Lead hardware builds from assembly through installation, working with technicians and fabricators to resolve issues and improve designs.
Minimum Qualifications
- B.S. in mechanical, aerospace, civil engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field.
- 2 or more years of experience designing and developing mechanical components or systems (2-4+ years for Mechanical Engineer II; 4-6+ years for Senior Mechanical Engineer).
- Proficiency with 3D CAD and FEA software packages.
- Experience implementing and analyzing GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Design of structures and components for a high-performance vehicle or spacecraft.
- Design work in recent versions of NX and Teamcenter.
- Thermal and structural analysis using Ansys, Femap/Nastran, Abaqus, or similar tools.
- Proactive problem-solving skills, including failure analysis and root cause investigation.
- Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Familiarity with spacecraft specifications and environmental test standards such as SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5001, and MIL-STD-810.
Pay Ranges
- Mechanical Engineer Level I: $86,100 to $122,220
- Mechanical Engineer Level II: $112,340 to $159,468
- Senior Mechanical Engineer Level III: $137,760 to $195,552
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Full-time employees receive company equity and access to medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off; paid parental leave; disability and life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; and other benefits including onsite meals and mental healthcare support.
Additional Requirements
- Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
- Must be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 (U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee with such status granted) due to access to U.S. export-controlled information and items.