Turbomachinery Engineer II Verified today
About Vast
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure. The company operates Haven Demo, the world's first commercial space station by a private company, with Haven-1 expected to launch in 2027. Vast also recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line.
The Role
You will join the propulsion team as a Turbomachinery Engineer II, reporting to the Senior Manager of E-2 Engineering. Your focus will be designing and developing the E-2 engine for small launchers, optimizing for both performance and production cost. You will work with a team that has already produced and tested fully integrated engine development samples.
Your Responsibilities
- Design turbomachinery components: create models, drawings, and perform calculations and analyses in collaboration with your Chief Engineer
- Manufacturing support: work with internal manufacturing teams through 3D printing, machining, post-processing, and inspection; incorporate feedback to improve design for manufacturability
- Assembly and test: support propulsion component integration and testing
- Create schematics and document processes
- Participate in engine testing and troubleshooting
- Communicate progress and issues regularly to the team
- Follow all safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- 3+ years of experience in mechanical design, development, fabrication, assembly, or test (internships included)
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Hands-on engineering across the full stack (computer to wrench to broom)
- CAD, preferably NX
- Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
- ANSYS or MATLAB
- Written, visual, and presentation communication skills
- Problem-solving and independent work
- Ability to build positive professional relationships and work transparently
Additional Requirements
- Able to lift 25 lbs unassisted
- Able to work in outdoor environments exposed to extreme weather
- Willing to work evenings and weekends to support critical mission milestones
Employment Details
Full-time, exempt position located in Hawthorne, California. Pay range: $110,000 to $155,000 USD annually, calibrated to your experience and demonstrated capability.
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary varies by job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and market demand. Full-time employees receive company equity and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off with 20+ vacation days for exempt staff; paid parental leave; short and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; ClassPass credits; Spring Health mental healthcare; free snacks, coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals; and subsidized lunch.
Export Control
This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information and items. The candidate must be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62, including U.S. citizens, nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees or refugees with such status granted.