AstroTalentSpace Jobs

Mechanical Engineering, Avionics (New Grad) Verified today

Vast · Long Beach, CA · Electronics · first seen 2026-10-13
Apply at 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.

This is a full-time, exempt position located in Long Beach, CA.

Responsibilities

  • Design avionics enclosures, mounts, and brackets for components such as batteries and crew-interfacing hardware, with guidance from senior engineers.
  • Work with the electrical engineering team to package rugged printed circuit board assemblies.
  • Perform thermal and structural analyses to check that designs hold up in harsh environments.
  • Create engineering drawings and keep design documentation current as hardware changes.
  • Contribute to trade studies and help write interface and specification documents.
  • Help plan and run tests, collect and interpret data, and support qualification of flight hardware.
  • Help verify requirements through test, analysis, inspection, or demonstration.
  • Work hands-on with technicians to build, assemble, and install hardware on the space station.

Minimum Qualifications

  • B.S. in mechanical, aerospace, or civil engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field.
  • Coursework, project, or internship experience designing and developing mechanical components or systems.
  • Familiarity with 3D CAD and FEA software through coursework, student project teams, or internships.
  • Understanding of GD&T fundamentals (ASME Y14.5).

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Participation in hands-on engineering teams such as Formula SAE, rocketry, CubeSat, or robotics.
  • A portfolio or examples of designs you have taken from concept through build or test.
  • Coursework, project, or internship experience designing structures or components for a high-performance vehicle or spacecraft.
  • Familiarity with CAD tools, ideally NX, and exposure to PLM tools such as Teamcenter.
  • Exposure to thermal or structural analysis using Ansys, Femap/Nastran, Abaqus, or similar tools.
  • Working knowledge of GD&T fundamentals (ASME Y14.5).
  • A curious, hands-on approach to problem solving, including interest in troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
  • Hands-on experience building or testing hardware, whether through internships, co-ops, machine shops, or student project teams.
  • Awareness of aerospace design and environmental test standards such as SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5001, or MIL-STD-810.

Additional Requirements

  • Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.

Compensation

  • Mechanical Engineer, Level I: $86,100 - $122,220 annually
  • Company equity, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off (20+ days vacation for exempt staff), paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) plan, and onsite meals.