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Mission Integration Engineer Verified today

Vast · Long Beach, CA · Production · first seen 2026-10-27
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Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Haven-1 is expected to become the world's first commercial space station when it launches in 2027.

The Mission Integration Engineer serves as the primary technical interface between the customer and internal engineering teams, responsible for the successful end-to-end integration of customer payloads onto the spacecraft. This role owns the mission from kickoff through launch and on-orbit commissioning, translating customer requirements into actionable engineering plans and ensuring all interfaces - mechanical, electrical, thermal, software, and operational - are defined, verified, and closed out on schedule.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as the customer's primary technical point of contact throughout the mission lifecycle, leading technical interchange meetings, working groups, and formal reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, MRR)
  • Develop and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and requirements documents; manage requirement decomposition, allocation, and verification closure
  • Coordinate cross-functional engineering teams (structures, power, avionics, thermal, software, GNC, operations) to resolve integration issues and drive trades to closure
  • Own the mission integration schedule, tracking deliverables, milestones, and critical path items on both customer and internal sides
  • Plan and oversee payload integration and test campaigns, including fit checks, functional testing, and environmental test support
  • Manage technical risk: identify, document, and drive disposition of integration risks, non-conformances, and waivers
  • Support launch vehicle integration activities and interface coordination (e.g., ICD compliance, coupled loads analysis inputs, range documentation)
  • Ensure compliance with export control (ITAR/EAR) requirements in all customer data exchanges

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or other engineering discipline

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Experience with facilities within aerospace industry
  • Familiarity with space planning procedures and operations
  • Knowledge of computer applications and ability to navigate different software programs
  • Ability to create and update RFPs, purchase orders, and work orders in ERP software
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment
  • Ability to make independent judgments with limited information
  • Communication skills for relaying data verbally and in writing between employees, vendors, and customers
  • Logical and strategic approach to solving problems
  • Ability to read and understand basic floor plans
  • Comfortable working in a high-stress environment balancing multiple projects and adjusting for changes in strategic direction

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to travel up to 50% of the time
  • Willingness to work overtime or weekends to support critical mission milestones
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
  • Specific certifications as appropriate

Compensation

Base salary: $112,340 to $159,468 USD (California). Compensation varies by experience and demonstrated capability. Full-time employees receive company equity and comprehensive 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; and wellness perks including onsite meals and ClassPass credits.