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Propulsion Structures Engineer

VastLong Beach🇺🇸United States

Why this role stands out

You can make a significant impact on the future of space exploration by contributing your mechanical design expertise to cutting-edge propulsion systems for next-generation space stations. This role is ideal for a mid-senior level engineer who thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment and is eager to develop new skills within a rapidly growing company. Apply now to join Vast in shaping the future of human presence in space.

Quick overview

Salary$137.8k - $195.6k/yr
SeniorityMid Senior
Work modeHybrid
LocationLong Beach, United States
ANSYSAbaqusCADFEAMechanical DesignStructural Analysis

Job description

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and capital-efficient approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to support a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and supporting a growing space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to design, build, and operate its own spacecraft in orbit. Next, Haven-1 is targeted to become the world’s first commercial space station, with launch anticipated in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced two new offerings leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo: Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line; and Vast Lunar Systems, power, communications, and habitats for the Moon.
Headquartered in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities capable of manufacturing America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for Mars, dedicated modules for government partners, and other crewed systems designed to unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

Vast is looking for a Propulsion Structures Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager, Propulsion Flight Hardware, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space stations.

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

Responsibilities:

  • Serve as responsible engineer for propulsion mechanical hardware: tubing assemblies, brackets, mounts, and propulsion-owned secondary structure.
  • Act as the primary interface between the Propulsion and Structures teams, coordinating loads, interfaces, and design requirements across both groups.
  • Perform structural analysis to drive design decisions, covering static and dynamic loads, vibration, thermo-mechanical, and other environmental considerations.
  • Perform mechanical design and analysis, develop manufacturing drawings, test plans, and concepts of operations, and follow hardware from design release through build and acceptance.
  • Lead trade studies and own interfaces with adjacent subsystems.
  • Work directly with fabricators and technicians to improve designs, mature processes, and resolve build issues.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, civil engineering, physics, or math or equivalent experience.
  • 4+ years of experience with CAD and FEA software packages.
  • 4+ years of experience designing and developing mechanical components or systems.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Working knowledge of propulsion systems; time spent in or alongside a propulsion team is a strong plus.
  • Structural design and analysis of components for a high-performance vehicle or spacecraft.
  • Demonstrated failure analysis and root cause investigation skills.
  • Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Design work in recent versions of NX/Teamcenter.
  • Analysis work in recent versions of Ansys, Femap/Nastran, or Abaqus.
  • Experience with GD&T implementation and analysis per ASME Y14.5.
  • Familiarity with spacecraft design and test specifications such as SMC-S-016 and NASA-STD-5001.

Additional Requirements:

  • Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends to support critical mission milestones.

Pay Range:

  • Senior Propulsion Engineer Level III: $137,760.00 - $195,552.00
  • Staff Propulsion Engineer Level IV: $162,360.00 - $230,472.00
  • Principal Propulsion Engineer Level V: $186,960.00 - $265,392.00
Pay Range: California
$137,760—$265,392 USD

We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.

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: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, 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, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering 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.

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.

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