Senior Propulsion Engineer Verified today
About Vast
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.
The Role
You will join the propulsion team as a Senior Propulsion Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager of E-2 Engineering. You will help complete the flight engine design for the E-2 and transition the system from development to production, working with a team that has already produced and successfully tested fully integrated engine development samples.
Your Responsibilities
- Design: work with the team and Chief Engineer to advance the E-2 design. Create models and drawings of parts and assemblies. Perform calculations and analyses with team support.
- Manufacturing: work with the internal manufacturing team to create finished E-2 parts. Support parts through 3D printing, machining, post-processing, and inspection. Incorporate feedback to improve design for manufacturing.
- Assembly and test: support integration and propulsion component assembly build and testing
- Create schematics and document processes
- Participate in engine testing with the test team and support troubleshooting as needed
- Communicate effectively with the entire team to regularly provide updates on progress and issues
- Follow proper safety procedures and wear personal protective equipment in the workplace
Your Background
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- 5+ years of experience with mechanical design, development, fabrication, assembly, or test (internships included)
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Hands-on engineering (full-stack: computer to wrench to broom)
- CAD, preferably NX
- Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
- ANSYS
- MATLAB
- Written, visual, and presentation communication skills
- Problem-solving and independent work
Additional Requirements
- Able to lift 25 lbs unassisted
- Work in an outdoor environment exposed to extreme weather conditions
- Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary range: $130,000 to $190,000 USD (California). Compensation varies based on experience, education, skills, and market demand. 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; short and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; ClassPass credits; personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health; free snacks, coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals; and subsidized lunch.
Employment Details
This is a full-time, exempt position located in Hawthorne, California.
Export Control
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls. You 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 (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.