Principal Mechanical Engineer, Structures

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in August 2025. 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 looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer, Structures  reporting to the Structures and Mechanisms Department to help us with the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. The Structures and Mechanisms team covers a wide range of components and responsibilities: from the primary pressure hull, to MMOD shielding and docking mechanism, establishing loads and Factors of Safety, as well as supporting other teams mechanical design needs across the company.  

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

Responsibilities: 

• Own the design of primary and secondary structures on a large scale space station.
• Develop an 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, and concept of operations and follow hardware through the entire process. 
• Lead trades and own interfaces with all sub systems. 
• Work with fabricators and technicians to improve designs, develop processes and resolve issues.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or physics.
• 10+ years experience with CAD and FEA software packages.
• 10+ years of experience designing and developing mechanical components or systems.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• 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.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted
• Specific certifications, as appropriate

Salary Range: California $184,000—$245,000 USD COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS  Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 15 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, free catered meals and snacks and beverages, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.

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

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.