Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Thermal Controls Systems
About the role
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.
Headquartered in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.
Vast is looking for a(n) Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Thermal Controls Systems, reporting to the Manager, TCS Hardware, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and optimize manufacturing processes and onboard equipment for environmental and thermal control systems, considering factors such as efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
- Design, fabricate, and activate ground support equipment and test articles in partnership with technicians, with a focus on pressurized ground systems
- Operate, troubleshoot, repair, maintain, and modify manufacturing and testing equipment, including pressurized systems from vacuum to 20,000 psig, pneumatic and hydraulic, oxygen systems, refrigerant systems, and data and control systems.
- Create and maintain detailed manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, and work instructions to ensure consistent and accurate production of thermal control systems.
- Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges by conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
- Collaborate with design teams to provide input on the manufacturability, assembly, and test processes of thermal and environmental hardware components such as tubing, heat exchangers, cold plates, pumps, fans, valves, heaters, filters and MLI.
- Work closely with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality components, reviewing and approving supplier manufacturing processes.
- Perform hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of components, ensuring compliance with engineering specifications and industry standards.
- Collaborate with quality assurance teams to establish and maintain rigorous quality control processes for manufacturing.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall product quality.
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in applicable manufacturing to drive innovation within the company.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
- 3 -5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in the aerospace or environmental and thermal control industry.
- Proficiency in CAD software (such as Siemens NX) for reviewing designs and creating manufacturing documentation.
- Comfortable working in a rapidly changing, ambiguous environment balancing multiple projects with flexibility.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, GD&T skills, and the ability to perform root cause analysis.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
- Skilled in operation of machinery and various hand tools.
- Able to work effectively in a team environment.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Strong understanding of fluid systems, tube manufacturing processes, and assembly techniques.
- Strong understanding of MLI manufacturing processes and assembly techniques.
- Experience working with paints, coatings, and adhesives in an aerospace context.
- Hands-on experience with sub-assemblies, testing, and troubleshooting fluid components is desirable.
- Skilled in operation of machinery and various hand tools.
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to travel up to 10% of the time
- Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
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.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.