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Senior Manager, Fluid Systems Design Verified today

Vast · Long Beach, CA · Propulsion · first seen 2026-10-07
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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 Senior Manager of Fluid Systems Design, reporting to the VP of Fluid Systems Engineering, to support the development of systems required for human-rated space stations.

Responsibilities

  • Lead design team translating architecture choices for propulsion, TCS and ECLSS systems into vehicle packaging for future Haven modules.
  • Own component-level design practices for propulsion, TCS and ECLSS.
  • Develop process tools to streamline design activities, enabling component responsible engineers to be force multipliers for the design team.
  • Lead team of designers across the fluid systems engineering team, flexing resources as needed, and building cross-system experience in the team.
  • Interface with structures design team on overall vehicle integration, establishing and enforcing standard design and modeling practices.
  • Collaborate with the fluid system analysis team on structural, fracture, and dynamics requirements for design validation.
  • Partner with the fluid system test team to design ground support equipment and test stands needed for development, qualification and acceptance testing.
  • Build and mentor a team of design engineers, establishing clear ownership and accountability for world-class design work.
  • Drive communication and collaboration between fluid systems design, structures, and operations, resolving manufacturing and integration challenges.
  • Support risk management, CDR/dCDR action item tracking, and lessons-learned capture from prior missions.
  • Partner with information systems team on design tool development and deployment.
  • Manage technical interfaces with external partners and government agencies on propulsion system requirements and supplier qualification.
  • Coordinate with external research partners on advanced system development and evaluations.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or other technical discipline.
  • 2+ years of hands-on engineering experience followed by 2-5 years of experience in systems engineering, technical project management, or customer facing program roles in aerospace.
  • 8+ years of experience in system design, with demonstrated component-level design authority on flight hardware, preferably with propulsion, thermal or ECLSS systems.
  • 2+ years of experience overseeing / managing a technical engineering team.
  • Expertise in fluid system design including pressure vessels, tubing routings, mechanical fluid seals, control valves, fans, filters and/or ducting systems.
  • Experience with high-pressure fluid systems including fracture criticality.
  • Familiarity with P&IDs, feed system ConOps, and fill and drain considerations for vehicle integration.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams and drive technical decisions to closure.
  • Experience supporting design reviews (CDR, PDR) and managing associated action items and risk tracking.
  • Strong cross-functional communication skills comfortable working across structures, GNC, avionics, software, and manufacturing.

Preferred Skills & Experience

  • Experience building in-house design team capability.
  • Background in mission operations, covering propulsion, thermal or ECLSS systems.
  • Prior work with component and HITL test environments.
  • Startup or fast-paced development environment experience.
  • Familiarity with electric propulsion system interfaces (PPU, mass flow control).
  • Experience with tubing assembly and design for manufacturing / design for assembly.
  • Background in fracture mechanics or composite overwrap pressure vessel certification.

Employment Details

Full-time, exempt position located in Long Beach, California.

Pay range: $164,000 to $232,800 USD. Compensation varies based on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand.

Benefits

Full-time employees receive company equity and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off (20+ days vacation for exempt staff with annual cash-out option); 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 meals; and subsidized lunch.

Export Control Requirement

The selected candidate 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. Section 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).