Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Control Systems (New Grad)

Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Control Systems (New Grad) Vast is looking for Mechanical Engineer, Thermal Control Systems (New Grad), 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: • Design and develop thermal control system components for our artificial-gravity space station, such as heat exchangers, cold plates, heaters, and heat pipes, with guidance from senior engineers. • Perform thermal and fluid analyses to size components and check that designs meet requirements. • Contribute to design trades and support systems engineering tasks such as tracking requirements and interfaces. • Help plan and run development tests, collect and interpret data, and use the results to improve designs and manufacturing processes. • Work with avionics, software, and mission operations teams to make sure your components integrate with the rest of the station. • Work hands-on with technicians and suppliers to build, test, and troubleshoot hardware. • Design with manufacturability and reliability in mind. Minimum Qualifications: • B.S. in mechanical, aerospace, or civil engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field. • Coursework, project, or internship experience designing and developing mechanical components or systems. • Familiarity with 3D CAD and FEA software through coursework, student project teams, or internships. • Understanding of GD&T fundamentals (ASME Y14.5). Preferred Skills & Experience: • Participation in hands-on engineering teams such as Formula SAE, rocketry, CubeSat, or robotics. • A portfolio or examples of designs you've taken from concept through build or test. • Coursework, project, or internship experience designing structures or components for a high-performance vehicle or spacecraft. • Familiarity with CAD tools, ideally NX, and exposure to PLM tools such as Teamcenter. • Exposure to thermal or structural analysis using Ansys, Femap/Nastran, Abaqus, or similar tools. • Working knowledge of GD&T fundamentals (ASME Y14.5). • A curious, hands-on approach to problem solving, including interest in troubleshooting and root cause analysis. • Hands-on experience building or testing hardware, whether through internships, co-ops, machine shops, or student project teams. • Awareness of aerospace design and environmental test standards such as SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5001, or MIL-STD-810. Additional Requirements: • Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones. Pay Ranges: • Mechanical Engineer/ Level I: $86,100.00 - $122,220.00 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 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.