Mechanical Engineer I, Thermal Control Systems

Vast is looking for a Mechanical Engineer, Thermal Control Systems reporting to the Manager, Thermal Control Hardware, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

The TCS team is seen as the cardiovascular system for the space station, and is the first team to put hands on hardware learning to interface test and validate the performance of these components and assemblies. The team will be getting hands-on operating experience with the integrated vehicle, helping to turn on the flight systems for the first time and learning how to operate a space vehicle. Along the way they will be developing advanced pneumatic, hydraulic, and AVI hardware complimented by system automations and data review tools.

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

Responsibilities: 

• Own the design and development of thermal control system and components (i.e. heat exchangers, cold plates, heaters, heat pipes, etc.) for our artificial-gravity space station, from initial design trades to fully functional and validated system.
• Iterate on manufacturing processes and development testing in a fast-paced environment.
• Own the project delivery timeline from early design through production, launch, and orbit insertion.
• Perform systems engineering tasks and fluid analyses.
• Lead design reviews internally and externally with suppliers and customers.
• Work with interdisciplinary stakeholders to ensure the component will integrate with the necessary avionics, software, and mission operations systems.
• Make sure that all designs are manufacturable and reliable.
• Bring technical excellence to everything you do.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's, in Mechanical, Aerospace, or similar field, completed or expected by June 2026
• Ability to work full-time onsite in Long Beach, CA
• Experience working with fluid systems or components.
• 1+ years of academic and/or internship experience working hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly and/or testing.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Demonstrated ability to own hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting.
• Hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly and/or testing.
• Proactive problem-solving skills such as failure analysis, root cause investigation, and design of experiment creation.
• Ability to perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals to make clear recommendations even with partial information.
• Experience with rotating machinery.
• Experienced in NX.
• Solid understanding and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Experience with structural analysis methods (hand calcs, FEMAP, ANSYS) in order to optimize hardware to strength requirements as well as to evaluate for life and fracture.
• Knowledge of metallic and fluid system manufacturing techniques, processes, equipment, and other processes such as machining, welding, brazing, tube bending, etc.
• Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, other engineers, and managers.
• Highly self-motivated with strong organizational and written/oral communication skills – able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with the ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work.

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 25lbs unassisted.