Vast is seeking an experienced and strategic Manager, Engineering to lead high-performing engineering organizations developing critical systems for next-generation human-rated space stations and spacecraft. This role will provide organizational, technical, and execution leadership.

This is a full-time, exempt position located in Long Beach location.
Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams across design, integration, test, and delivery of spacecraft hardware.
• Own execution across the full product lifecycle-from concept and requirements definition through manufacturing, verification, qualification, and operations.
• Align manufacturing, supply chain, quality, test, and program management on hardware delivery and integration.
• Set org priorities, staffing, roadmaps, and resource plans to meet program milestones.
• Drive technical decisions and risk management across performance, safety, and compliance.
• Lead design reviews, trades, root cause investigations, and corrective actions.
• Mentor engineers and managers; build a culture of accountability and technical excellence.
• Own recruiting, performance management, and succession planning.
• Manage supplier and partner relationships across development, manufacturing, and integration.
• Champion continuous improvement in engineering efficiency, quality, and velocity.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• 6+ years of engineering experience in aerospace or other safety-critical industries.
• 3+ years of technical leadership or engineering management experience.
• Track record leading teams through complex hardware or integrated system development across multiple lifecycle phases.
• Strong systems integration, development process, and first-principles engineering fundamentals.
• Experience leading trade studies, engineering reviews, and cross-functional efforts in manufacturing environments.
• Proven ability to lead teams in fast-paced, iterative development environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing teams developing spacecraft, flight hardware, or mission-critical systems.
• Proven success leading complex programs from concept through qualification, integration, and test.
• Experience building and scaling engineering organizations in high-growth environments.
• Deep knowledge of hardware verification, qualification testing, and aerospace certification practices.
• Proficiency with CAD and engineering analysis tools.
• Expertise in systems-level troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and failure investigation.
• Proficiency with GD&T, tolerance analysis, and engineering drawing review.
• Background in structural, thermal, propulsion, fluids, or integrated spacecraft systems.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and organizational skills.
• Passion for advancing the future of human spaceflight and space habitation.

Pay Range: California

$150,000-$215,000 USD

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: 100% 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.