Vast is looking for a
Manufacturing Engineer, Thermal Control Systems, to help develop the systems behind our human-rated space stations. You'll use your engineering knowledge and creativity to design, build, and test novel solutions at the cutting edge of space technology.
This will be a
full-time,
exempt position located in our
Long Beach, CA location.
Responsibilities: - Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for environmental and thermal control systems, balancing efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness
- Design, fabricate, and activate ground support equipment and test articles in partnership with technicians, with an emphasis on pressurized ground systems
- Operate, troubleshoot, repair, maintain, and modify manufacturing and test equipment spanning vacuum to 20,000 psig, including pneumatic, hydraulic, oxygen, refrigerant, and data/control systems
- Author and maintain detailed manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, and work instructions for consistent and accurate production of TCS hardware
- Perform hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of components to ensure compliance with engineering specifications and industry standards
- Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges through root cause analysis and corrective action
- Collaborate with design teams to provide design-for-manufacturability, assembly, and test feedback on thermal and environmental hardware (e.g., tubing, heat exchangers, cold plates, pumps, fans, valves, heaters, filters, MLI)
- Partner with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery of high-quality components, including reviewing and approving supplier manufacturing processes
- Collaborate with quality assurance teams to establish and uphold rigorous quality control processes
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and elevate product quality
- Understanding of fluid systems, tube manufacturing processes, and assembly techniques
Minimum Qualifications:- B.S. in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing or electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field
- 2 + years of manufacturing experience managing a product/product line across multiple work centers and/or departments, fluid, pressurized, propulsion, or environmental control hardware in design, manufacturing, or test
- 2-4+ years of experience for Manufacturing Engineer II
- 4-6+ years of experience for Senior Manufacturing Engineer
- Hands-on fabrication, assembly, and/or integration experience; CAD proficiency (NX preferred)
- Experience with CAD tools (e.g., Siemens NX) and the ability to review designs, generate manufacturing documentation, and design assembly or test tooling
Preferred Skills & Experience:- Hands-on experience building or testing hardware, in industry or through student teams such as Formula SAE, rocketry, CubeSat, or robotics
- Experience with aerospace, spacecraft, propulsion, or other safety-critical or high-reliability hardware
- Experience taking designs or processes from concept through build or test, and from R&D to production
- Familiarity with CAD tools, ideally Siemens NX, and PLM tools such as Teamcenter
- Exposure to thermal or structural analysis using Ansys, or similar tools
- Awareness of aerospace workmanship, design, and environmental test standards such as IPC, SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5001, or MIL-STD-810
- Proficiency applying GD&T
- Strong problem-solving skills, including troubleshooting and structured root cause analysis
- Strong attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to work well in cross-functional teams
- Senior Level: experience mentoring engineers or technicians and managing multiple projects at once
Additional Requirements:- Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
Pay Ranges:- Engineer/ Level I: $86,100.00 - $122,220.00
- Engineer/ Level II: $112,340.00 - $159,468.00
- Senior Engineer/ Level III: $137,760.00 - $195,552.00
We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITSBase 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.
