Mechanical Engineer, Structures

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 Mechanical Engineer reporting to the Manager, Structures Design, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. The Structures and Dynamics team covers a wide range of components and responsibilities: from the primary pressure hull, to MMOD shielding, engineered soft goods, and establishing design loads and factors, as well as supporting other teams’ design needs across the company.

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

• Own design of primary and secondary structures on a large scale space station.

• Develop understanding of static and dynamic loads, vibrations, thermal and other environmental considerations to drive design decisions.

• Perform mechanical design and analysis, develop manufacturing drawings, test plans, concept of operations, and follow hardware through the entire process.

• Lead trades and own interfaces with sub systems.

• Work with fabricators and technicians to improve designs, develop processes, and resolve issues

• Bachelor's Degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, civil engineering, physics, or math.

• 2+ years experience with CAD and FEA software packages.

• 2+ years of experience designing and developing mechanical components or systems.

• Design of structures and components for a high-performance vehicle or spacecraft.

• Proactive problem-solving skills such as failure analysis and root cause investigation.

• Prior experience in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

• Design work in recent versions of NX, Teamcenter.

• Analysis work in recent versions of Ansys, Femap/Nastran, Abaqus.

• Experience with GD&T implementation and analysis (ASME Y14.5).

• Familiarity with spacecraft specifications such as SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5001.

• Mechanical Engineer I: $86,100- $122,220

• Mechanical Engineer II: