Manufacturing Engineer, Fabrication and 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 Manufacturing Engineer, reporting to the Director of Manufacturing, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for the build and inspection process for the assembly and integration of the Haven-1 primary structure as well as all structural work in the Fabrication department
- Develop, qualify, and refine manufacturing processes, including: welding, trimming, shearing, rolling, bending, and more to meet all design and business requirements including safety, quality, efficiency and delivery
- Document and standardize welding, assembly, and other processes and own the creation and modification of manufacturing planning
- Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve large-scale production challenges
- Work with design engineers to evaluate designs for manufacturability and implementation in a rapidly evolving production environment
- Resolve product non-conformances and collaborate with the quality team to implement root cause corrective actions
- Help manufacturing and engineering teams to identify, plan, and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to meet volume production demand
- Develop and refine floor layouts, capacity models, and product flow analysis to ensure on-time vehicle delivery to manifest
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, materials or industrial engineering
- 5 + years of experience in an engineering role supporting structural fabrication, assembly, or welding
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Master’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, materials or industrial engineering
- Experience with the build, assembly, or integration of large mechanical or structural assemblies
- Knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment related to welding, metal forming, fastening, drilling, bonding and automation
- Strong CAD modeling skills
- Mechanical component and/or tooling design and analysis experience
- Aptitude with NX CAD
- Experience with design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA)
- Experience transition complex products from R&D to high-volume manufacturing in a fast-paced environment
- Experience writing work instructions and procedures for critical aerospace parts
- Experience in a production environment within the aerospace industry
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted
Pay Range:
- Manufacturing Engineer I: $85,000 - $109,700
- Manufacturing Engineer II: $100,000 - $132,000
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.