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 Mechanisms Engineer, reporting to the Sr. Manager of Mechanisms, to support the development of space mechanisms.

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

Responsibilities

Develop mechanisms from ideation to flight: design, analyze, build, test, and iteration. Some mechanisms include motorized assemblies, linkages, spring/damper systems, rotating hardware, and crew-operated assemblies
Own critical spacecraft hardware/systems, assuming profound responsibility for their hardware
Interface with a world-class production team to ensure successful translation of designs into spacecraft

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or similar engineering
2+ years of experience in the design, build, and/or test of mechanisms, structures, valves, or other mechanical systems

Preferred Skills & Experience

Thriving in a team that emphasizes rapid prototyping, quick iteration, and a general bias towards action
Strong understanding of spacecraft and/or launch vehicle mechanisms and mechanical assemblies
Experience in NX/Teamcenter or other CAD packages (PTC Creo, CATIA) with a solid understanding and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5
Professional or project experience with FEMAP, ANSYS, or similar finite element analysis (FEA) software tools, as well as a good understanding of fatigue, fracture, and crack propagation
Knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques, processes, equipment, and other processes such as machining, welding, riveting, bending, assembling, etc.
Good understanding and experience working with aerospace materials (metals, plastics, composites)
Solid understanding of test methods/setups and data acquisition systems
Ability to perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals to make clear recommendations even with partial information
Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, other engineers, managers, and support teams
Highly self-motivated with strong organizational and written/oral communication skills – able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with the ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work

Additional Requirements

Up to 10% travel to remote sites and vendors as needed

Pay Range: California

$112,340—$230,000 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.