About this Manufacturing Engineer, Mechanical Subassemblies role at Vast
At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.
Vast is looking for a Manufacturing Engineer, Mechanical Subassemblies, reporting to the Manager, Mechanical Subassemblies, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with design teams to provide input on the manufacturability of various types of subassemblies
- Develop and optimize manufacturing processes and onboard equipment for manufacturing subassemblies, considering factors such as efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness
- Create and maintain detailed manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, and work instructions to ensure consistent and accurate production of hardware
- Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges by conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions
- Collaborate with quality assurance teams to establish and maintain rigorous quality control processes
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall product quality
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil or similar engineering degree from ABET accredited institution
- Strong knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) and Design for Manufacturability (DFM), especially related to components and subassemblies
- Working knowledge of manufacturing processes such as machining, drilling, assembly, bonding, etc.
- Mechanical aptitude with desire to be hands-on and work on a production floor
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Experience designing tooling, hardware, etc. using CAD software, Siemens NX preferred
- Experience working on flight hardware or safety critical systems
- Experience transitioning complex products from R&D to production in a fast-paced environment
- Experience collaborating with stakeholders to address manufacturing non-conformances and implement corrective actions
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work
- Excellent communication skills
- Demonstrated project management experience
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted
- Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
