Vast is seeking a Senior Fluids Systems Engineer reporting to the Manager, Fluid Systems Engineering to help develop the critical systems that make long-duration human spaceflight possible.

In this role, you will own the design, development, testing, and integration of fluid-based hardware and systems that support life support, thermal management, propulsion, pressurization, and other spacecraft functions. You will work across the entire hardware lifecycle-from concept development and trade studies through manufacturing, testing, launch, and on-orbit operations.

We are looking for engineers who thrive in hands-on environments, enjoy solving first-principles engineering problems, and want to build flight hardware that directly supports humanity's future in space.

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

• Design, develop, analyze, and test fluid and mechanical systems for human-rated spacecraft.
• Own hardware and subsystem development from early architecture through flight qualification and operation.
• Perform fluid, thermal, and systems analyses to inform design decisions and system performance.
• Conduct trade studies and make engineering recommendations using first principles and engineering fundamentals.
• Lead design reviews and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including structures, avionics, software, manufacturing, integration, test, quality, and mission operations.
• Develop and execute component, subsystem, and integrated system test campaigns.
• Support fabrication, assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and validation of flight hardware.
• Drive root-cause investigations, failure analysis, and corrective actions during development and test.
• Ensure designs are manufacturable, reliable, maintainable, and scalable for production.
• Partner with suppliers to develop and qualify hardware and manufacturing processes.
• Contribute to the development of systems supporting propulsion, thermal control, environmental control and life support, pressurization, and other spacecraft fluid systems.
• Bring technical excellence, urgency, and ownership to every stage of development.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of professional experience developing hardware, fluid systems, thermal systems, propulsion systems, environmental control systems, or other complex mechanical systems.
• Hands-on experience with fabrication, assembly, integration, testing, or troubleshooting of hardware.
• Experience working within cross-functional engineering teams to develop complex products.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with fluid systems, thermal systems, propulsion systems, environmental control systems, or other high-reliability engineering applications.
• Experience designing and developing hardware from concept through production.
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, or system integration.
• Experience performing failure analysis, root-cause investigations, and design-of-experiments.
• Proficiency with CAD tools such as Siemens NX.
• Knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, brazing, tube bending, assembly, and testing.
• Experience with high-pressure, hazardous, or safety-critical fluid systems.
• Familiarity with structural analysis tools and methods.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of hardware and deliver results in a fast-paced development environment.

Pay Range:

• Senior Fluid Systems Engineer: $137,700 - $195,550

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.