Manufacturing Engineering, Propulsion

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 Manufacturing Engineer, Propulsion, reporting to the Lead Manufacturing Engineer, Propulsion, to own components and subassemblies and support the development, production, and integration of propulsion and pressurization hardware for artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

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

Responsibilities

• Support the propulsion manufacturing engineering team day to day: execute against priorities set by the Lead, communicate status and blockers, and share knowledge with peers
• Contribute to team onboarding and knowledge sharing; at E3, informally mentor newer engineers
• Own manufacturing development, production readiness, and build execution for assigned propulsion and pressurization hardware (typically 1-2 components or subassemblies), including valves, regulators, tubing, ducting, manifolds, COPVs, fittings, and instrumentation, working hands-on on the floor
• Support the propulsion manufacturing schedule and build sequencing across development, qualification, and flight builds for owned hardware
• Report hardware status, risks, and mitigation plans for owned hardware to the Lead and cross-functional partners
• Partner with propulsion and systems design teams to drive design for manufacturing and manufacturing readiness
• Develop, qualify, and optimize manufacturing processes and production equipment with increasing independence by level, including welding, brazing, tube fabrication, precision cleaning, and proof and leak testing
• Work with suppliers on manufacturing readiness, including review of supplier processes and documentation
• Partner with quality engineering to define inspection methods, acceptance criteria, and process controls for safety-critical fluid components
• Uphold a strong safety and quality culture for high-pressure and hazardous fluid hardware

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering, or a related discipline
• Manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace, propulsion, or high-reliability fluid systems (E1: 0-2 years; E2: 2-4 years; E3: 5+ years; internships and co-ops count toward E1)
• Hands-on hardware experience supporting fabrication, assembly, integration, and/or testing of fluid system hardware (internship, co-op, or project-based experience acceptable)
• Experience, or demonstrated ability to learn quickly, developing manufacturing processes, travelers, work instructions, and production documentation for safety-critical hardware
• Working knowledge of CAD tools (e.g., Siemens NX) with the ability to review designs, generate manufacturing documentation, and support assembly or test tooling design
• Ability to own a component, subassembly, or workstream and drive it to completion with increasing independence by level
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends as needed to support critical propulsion testing and mission milestones

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience leading a project or workstream, or mentoring interns or newer engineers
• Experience with manufacturing and assembly of high-pressure or hazardous fluid systems, including propellant feed, pressurization, venting, and purge systems
• Strong understanding of propulsion fluid system manufacturing, including tube fabrication, welding, brazing, precision cleaning, and assembly processes
• Hands-on experience testing, troubleshooting, and qualifying propulsion or fluid components, including proof, leak, and functional testing
• Experience integrating COPVs, valves, regulators, and instrumentation into flight systems
• Experience developing and qualifying production equipment, assembly tooling, and test tooling
• Strong GD&T knowledge and experience creating and reviewing engineering drawings
• Experience with Siemens NX
• Experience reviewing and approving supplier manufacturing processes and documentation
• Proven problem-solving skills with hands-on root cause analysis and corrective and preventive action experience
• Strong cross-functional communication skills and the ability to work effectively with propulsion, systems, test, and quality teams
• High attention to detail and a strong ownership mindset for safety-critical hardware

Pay Range:  

• Manufacturing Engineer I, Propulsion:  $86,100.00 - $122,220.00
• Manufacturing Engineer II, Propulsion: $112,340.00 - $159,468.00
• Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Propulsion: $137,760.00 - $195,552.00

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.