Senior Harness Design Engineer Verified today

About the Role

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and infrastructure using a hardware-rich, low-cost approach. Haven Demo flew and operated successfully in 2025. Haven-1, the world's first commercial space station, is expected to launch in 2027, followed by additional modules. You will report to the Senior Manager, Harness Design and support the systems required for artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

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

What You Will Do

• Develop the electro-mechanical design of flight wire harnesses for Haven space station.
• Design development and test harnesses to support qualification testing efforts.
• Design and analyze complex electrical architectures and wire harness systems, including wiring diagrams, connector layouts, and system integration documentation for multi-disciplinary spacecraft electrical systems.
• Evaluate and implement power distribution and data communication strategies, ensuring signal integrity across mixed power/data pathways and selecting appropriate protocols (Ethernet, RS-422, USB, etc.).
• Develop system logic and control architectures, create interface control documents (ICDs), and perform electrical analysis for subsystem compatibility, including power budgeting, load analysis, and signal routing optimization.
• Meet with multidisciplinary stakeholders to gather harness design objectives and requirements.
• Develop harness design and routing solutions in 3D NX CAD environment.
• Provide comprehensive flight wire harness and vehicle/system level documentation.
• Perform analysis and physical testing of harnessing for thermal, loads, vibration, and shock to ensure flight qualification.
• Document and communicate design, analysis, and testing results through design reviews.
• Interface with harness production and integration teams to ensure designs are producible and installed on schedule.
• Perform R&D investigations and trade studies to advance wire harness design in capabilities, mass savings, and cost savings.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or other engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of experience in design focused roles.
• 2+ years of experience with wire harness 3D design, wiring diagrams, and formboard creation.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience designing harnesses to IPC/WHMA-A-620, IPC/WHMA-A-620-S, and NASA-STD-8739.4.
• Strong team working skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with Siemens NX and Teamcenter.
• Wire harness component selection and qualification experience.
• General wire harness analysis, testing, and qualification experience.
• 2+ years of experience with harness design and manufacturing documentation.
• Capability to solve complex design problems within tight schedules and minimal supervision.
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and space exploration.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven startup atmosphere.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong personal accountability and drive to succeed.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work overtime or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.

Compensation

Base salary: $135,000-$190,000 USD, commensurate with 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; short and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; ClassPass credits; mental healthcare through Spring Health; free snacks, coffee, cold drinks, and dinner; and subsidized lunch.

Export Control

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls. You must be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62, which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending. Alternatively, you must be eligible for deemed export licensing.