Develop hardware for thermal control systems essential for artificial gravity and long-term human life in space, contributing directly to the future of human spaceflight.
At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations 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. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. 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, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.
Vast is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer, Thermal Control Systems, reporting to the Senior Manager, Thermal Control Systems Hardware, to build the fluid and thermal systems that make artificial gravity—and long-term human life in space—possible. You will develop hardware that must operate flawlessly in orbit, leading projects from concept through flight. This is a high-impact role for an engineer who thrives in fast-paced development, embraces technical ownership, and wants their work to directly shape the future of human spaceflight.
This full-time, exempt position is based in Long Beach, CA.
As a senior technical contributor, you will bring engineering rigor, creativity, and a builder’s mindset to every phase of hardware development.
Pay Range
Senior Mechanical Engineer: $135,800 - $176,400
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
Free Meals & Snacks
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
Health Insurance
100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents
ClassPass and mental healthcare perks
ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks
Paid Parental Leave
Paid Time Off
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
Vast builds next-generation space stations designed to sustain a continuous human presence in space for the U.S. and its allies. By facilitating advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, we're unlocking the potential of a new space economy.
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