Manufacturing Engineer, Fluid Systems

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 May 2026. 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(n) Manufacturing Engineer, Fluid Systems, reporting to the Manager of Tube Fabrication, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. Use this space to describe the role and sell the candidate on the cool stuff they would get to work on. 

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

Responsibilities: 

• Conceptualize, develop, and manufacture innovative, cutting-edge tube bending and welding cells capable of meeting the demanding needs for the Haven-1 program. Drive first build and test effort through design integration, assembly sequencing, mBOM development, build and test work order creation, and specification authoring.
• Create and maintain detailed manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, and work instructions to ensure consistent and accurate production of all tubing systems 
• Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges by conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions. 
• Leverage critical thinking and problem-solving skills to constantly challenge the norms and pushing the boundaries to achieve efficient production for human space flight within timelines.
• Collaborate closely with design and integration engineers as well as internal production teams and external vendors to execute expediently and efficiently.
• Create efficient and capable tooling solutions to streamlining production and aid in increased system output while reducing operational burden.
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to establish and maintain rigorous quality control processes for manufacturing. 
• Establish and enforce standard practices, troubleshooting guides, and standardized repair procedures, with a key responsibility of reviewing and approving planning documents.
• Facilitate day-to-day production of bent tubes, OTW, and manual welded tubing, both on ensuring optimal efficiency and adherence to quality standards.
• Challenge existing production and design requirements for tubing assemblies, utilizing data-driven insights to identify and eliminate wasteful practices, further optimizing the manufacturing process.
• Streamline and optimize existing production systems, proactively identifying opportunities to enhance manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall product quality. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience (internships and extracurricular experience is applicable), preferably in the aerospace industry

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams. 
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Comfortable working in a rapidly changing, high-stress environment balancing several projects at any given time.
• Strong understanding of fluid systems.
• Experience tube bending, orbital tube welding (OTW), TIG welding, precision cleaning, tooling design, and/or pressure testing
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to perform root cause analysis. 
• Hands-on experience with testing and troubleshooting fluids components and systems is desirable.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones

Pay Range: 

• Manufacturing Engineer I: $85,000 - $105,000
• Manufacturing Engineer II: $100,000 - $130,000

 

Salary Range: California$85,000—$130,000 USDCOMPENSATION 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