Mechanical Engineer, E-2 Development

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.

• Manufacturing:
  • Work with our internal manufacturing team and external vendors to create finished E-2 parts. 
  • Support parts through 3d-printing, machining, post-processing, and inspection. 
  • Incorporate feedback to improve design for manufacturing.
• Design:
  • Work with our team and Chief Designer Igor Nikishchenko to advance the design of E-2. 
  • Create models and drawings of parts and assemblies. 
  • Perform calculations and analyses with team support.
• Assembly:
  • Work with our team to build propulsion component assemblies and the full engine to test at NASA Stennis Space Center.
• Documentation:
  • Write procedures, work instructions, and document processes.
• Testing:
  • Conduct tests of propulsion components and the full engine with our team at NASA Stennis Center. 
  • Build out the Vast E-2 Test Stand for full engine testing and maintain the stand.
  • Troubleshoot fluid systems involving pressurized cylinders, regulators, tanks, valves, tubing, fittings, and other plumbing elements. 
  • Work with the avionics team to properly integrate sensors and actuators into test stands.
• Communicate effectively with entire team to regularly provide updates on progress and issues.
• Always follow proper safety procedures and wear personal protective equipment in the workplace.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline. 
• 2+ years of CAD experience (NX preferred).
• 2+ years of industry experience with rocket engine or fluid system design, development, fabrication, assembly, or test (internships included.)

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Ability to work as a teammate and independently to achieve ambitious goals.
• Hands-on engineering (Full-stack: computer to wrench to broom).
• Communication (Written, visual, slides).
• Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Problem-solving.
• Capable to grow positive, respectful, and professional relationships.
• Willing to make mistakes, take responsibilities, work independently and be transparent about your work.
• Must be willing to spend 50% of their time at NASA Stennis Space Center (Fully paid travel and hotel while there).
• Must have a strong personal projects engineering portfolio (CAD, CAM, software, documentation).
• Able to lift 35 lbs unassisted.
• Able to stand for extended periods.
• Work in an outdoor environment exposed to extreme weather conditions.
• Flexibility to work overtime and adapt to a varying schedule.
• Experience with CFD, FEA (Ansys.)
• Experience with DAQs & Labview.
• Experience with CAM.
• Experience with coding (MATLAB, C++, javascript, C, Arduino.)
• General ‘making’ skills (Machining, CNC, welding, assembly.)

Pay Ranges: 

• L1: $80,000 - $110,000
• L2: $100,000 - $145,000

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.

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.