Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Control Systems 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 to help develop thermal control systems for our human-rated space stations. This is a full-time, exempt position in Long Beach, CA.
Responsibilities
- Own the design and development of thermal control systems and components for our artificial-gravity space station, such as heat exchangers, cold plates, heaters, and heat pipes, from initial design trades through a fully validated system.
- Lead thermal and fluid analyses, and use the results to drive design decisions and define margins.
- Perform systems engineering for your hardware, including requirements, interfaces, and verification by test, analysis, inspection, or demonstration.
- Lead development and qualification testing, and iterate on designs and manufacturing processes in a fast-paced environment.
- Own the delivery timeline for your hardware from early design through production, launch, and orbit insertion.
- Lead internal design reviews and technical reviews with suppliers and customers.
- Partner with avionics, software, and mission operations teams to ensure your system integrates across the station.
- Ensure designs are manufacturable and reliable, working with fabricators, technicians, and suppliers to resolve issues.
Minimum Qualifications
- B.S. in mechanical, aerospace, or civil engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field.
- 2+ years of experience designing and developing mechanical components or systems.
- 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.
- Experience with design work in recent versions of NX and Teamcenter.
- Experience with 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.
Additional Requirements
- Willingness to work evenings or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
Compensation
- Mechanical Engineer Level I: $86,100 to $122,220 per year
- Mechanical Engineer Level II: $112,340 to $159,468 per year
- Senior Mechanical Engineer Level III: $137,760 to $195,552 per year
Base salary varies based on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Full-time employees receive company equity and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off with 20+ days vacation for exempt staff; paid parental leave; short and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; ClassPass credits; mental healthcare through Spring Health; and free meals including snacks, coffee, drinks, and dinner, with subsidized lunch.
Export Control
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and must either be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, and asylees and refugees with such status granted.