Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Control Systems (New Grad) Verified today

About the Role

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure. Haven Demo became the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft in 2025. Haven-1 is expected to become the world's first commercial space station when it launches in 2027. You'll help develop the thermal control systems behind these human-rated stations, using your engineering knowledge 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, California.

What You Will Do

• Design and develop thermal control system components for the artificial-gravity space station, such as heat exchangers, cold plates, heaters, and heat pipes, with guidance from senior engineers.
• Perform thermal and fluid analyses to size components and verify designs meet requirements.
• Contribute to design trades and support systems engineering tasks such as tracking requirements and interfaces.
• Plan and run development tests, collect and interpret data, and use results to improve designs and manufacturing processes.
• Work with avionics, software, and mission operations teams to integrate your components with the rest of the station.
• Work hands-on with technicians and suppliers to build, test, and troubleshoot hardware.
• Design with manufacturability and reliability in mind.

What You Need

• 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).

What We'd Prefer

• Participation in hands-on engineering teams such as Formula SAE, rocketry, CubeSat, or robotics.
• A portfolio or examples of designs you've 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 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.
• Must be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 (U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or asylee/refugee with granted status) due to access to items subject to U.S. export controls.

Compensation

Mechanical Engineer Level I: $86,100 to $122,220 base salary. Compensation varies based on experience and demonstrated capability. Full-time employees receive company equity and benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off (20+ days vacation for exempt staff); paid parental leave; disability and life insurance; 401(k) plan; ClassPass credits; mental healthcare through Spring Health; free snacks, coffee, cold drinks, and dinner; and subsidized lunch.