Staff Propulsion/Fluids Systems Analyst, Haven

Vast is looking for a Staff Propulsion/Fluids Systems Analyst, reporting to the Director of Haven Propulsion, to support the development of the propulsion, life support, and thermal control 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. 

As a propulsion and fluids modeling expert, you will be responsible for:

• Multiphase propellant feed system analysis
• Modeling of multiphase fluids in microgravity conditions for propellant acquisition analyses
• High-pressure gas system design including static and dynamic pressure budgeting
• Transient flow analysis including water hammer and adiabatic compression
• Slosh dynamics analysis for support of Guidance, Navigation, and Control model development
• Thruster plume impingement modeling

You will work closely with propulsion, thermal, and structural engineering teams to validate and optimize propellant management, thermal systems, and high-performance fluid systems for spaceflight applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop robust CFD and non-CFD fluid models of a space station propulsion system with a primary focus on multiphase, non-cryogenic propellants, capturing complex behavior such as dynamic phase transitions, supercritical or subcritical fluid feed system operation modes, and transient flow conditions including water hammer.
• Analyze multiphase fluid flow behavior under microgravity conditions, including propellant slosh modeling and propellant management device modeling
• Integrate and validate simulation outcomes with experimental data, both from flight and ground testing, in collaboration with a cross-disciplinary team to refine overall propulsion system designs.
• Contribute to ancillary work in electric propulsion using conventional noble gas propellants and unconventional molecular propellants.
• Present technical analysis for internal design reviews and NASA certification

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in fluid dynamics, propulsion analysis, or heat transfer modeling.
• Expertise in thermo-hydraulic analysis tools (SINDA/FLUINT, Thermal Desktop, or equivalent).
• Proficiency with CFD software (Star-CCM+, Fluent, or equivalent).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related Engineering.
• Expertise in multiphase propellant handling and slosh modeling.
• Strong background in low-gravity fluid behavior and propellant management systems.
• Experience with nitrous oxide or other high vapor pressure, non-cryogenic propellants
• Knowledge of pressurized gas management and transient fluid behavior.
• Experience with heat exchanger design and high-pressure gas systems.
• Successful completion of certification processes for spaceflight hardware.