Vast is looking for a Finite Element Vehicle Architect reporting to the Senior Manager, Dynamics and Loads to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space stations.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

The Structural Dynamics team is responsible for low and high-frequency load & environment predictions for all Vast space stations during ground transportation, ascent, and on-orbit operations. This role will be responsible for building, maintaining, and managing the vehicle systems-level Finite Element Model of our Haven space station program, and oversee future FEA engineering needs across Vast's future product portfolio.

Responsibilities:

• Create and maintain FEA models of vehicle level systems and space station program
• Perform structural dynamics analysis that informs structural sizing for strength, mass, and cost optimization
• Collaborate closely with design engineers in dynamics and static analysis methods
• Communicate with design organization to ensure vehicle prediction models match design intent
• Expand company capability in analysis through validating and establishing methods and practices
• Work with hardware owners and test engineering to plan and execute vibration tests, as well as perform supporting analyses

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent)
• Proficiency in commercial FEA software (ie Femap/Nastran, Abaqus, Ansys )
• Strong grasp of structural mechanic fundamentals used for dynamic response prediction (single degree of freedom systems, damping, beam bending)

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Spacecraft and/or Payload background with experience through the entire system lifecycle from concept, design, production, integration, test, launch, to operation support
• Demonstrated expertise with Nastran
• Automation and Workflow Generation for FEA softwares
• Working understanding of a design load cycle and how it relates to analysis and test
• Knowledge of spacecraft analysis and launch load environments and industry standard documents (NASA-STD-5001, SMC-S-016, etc.)
• Establishment of of company internal specifications or best practices

Pay Range: California

$137,760-$230,472 USD

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.