Principal Propulsion Systems Engineer, Haven

Vast is looking for a Principal Propulsion Systems Engineer, Haven reporting to the Director of Haven Propulsion 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 (design, analyze, build, and test) propulsion thrusters, fluid components (e.g., valves, instrumentation, etc.), tanks/pressure vessels, and/or fluid systems specific to spacecraft serving space stations
• Own critical spacecraft propulsion hardware/systems, assuming profound responsibility for their hardware
• Interface with a world-class production team to ensure successful translation of designs into spacecraft

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, or materials engineering) 
• 10+ years of mechanical or fluids design, analysis, or build experience (student project team and internship experience qualifies).
• 5+ years of experience in the design, build, and/or test of rocket engines, combustion devices, turbopumps, and/or valves
• 5+ years of experience in the space industry

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Advanced degree in engineering (mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, or materials engineering) 
• Strong understanding of spacecraft and/or launch vehicle propulsion systems and fluid components
• Experience in NX 8.5 or other CAD packages (PTC Creo, CATIA) with a solid understanding and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5-1994
• Proficient in basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, materials, and electrical circuits
• Professional or project experience with FEMAP, ANSYS, or similar finite element analysis (FEA) software tools, as well as a good understanding of fatigue, fracture, and crack propagation
• Knowledge of metallic and fluid system manufacturing techniques, processes, equipment, and other processes such as machining, electron beam welding, orbital tube welding, tube bending, structural assembly, etc.
• Good understanding and experience working with aerospace materials (metals, plastics, composites)
• Solid understanding of test methods/setups and data acquisition systems
• Ability to perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals to make clear recommendations even with partial information
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
• 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:

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Up to 10% travel to Mojave as needed

Pay Range: 

• Principal Engineer: $185,000-$245,000