Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.

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 required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

Vast is looking for a Manufacturing Engineer, Thermal Control Systems, to help develop the systems behind our human-rated space stations. You'll use your engineering knowledge and creativity to design, build, and test novel solutions at the cutting edge of space technology.

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

Responsibilities

Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for environmental and thermal control systems, balancing efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness
Design, fabricate, and activate ground support equipment and test articles in partnership with technicians, with an emphasis on pressurized ground systems
Operate, troubleshoot, repair, maintain, and modify manufacturing and test equipment spanning vacuum to 20,000 psig, including pneumatic, hydraulic, oxygen, refrigerant, and data/control systems
Author and maintain detailed manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, and work instructions for consistent and accurate production of TCS hardware
Perform hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of components to ensure compliance with engineering specifications and industry standards
Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges through root cause analysis and corrective action
Collaborate with design teams to provide design-for-manufacturability, assembly, and test feedback on thermal and environmental hardware (e.g., tubing, heat exchangers, cold plates, pumps, fans, valves, heaters, filters, MLI)
Partner with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery of high-quality components, including reviewing and approving supplier manufacturing processes
Collaborate with quality assurance teams to establish and uphold rigorous quality control processes
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and elevate product quality
Understanding of fluid systems, tube manufacturing processes, and assembly techniques

Minimum Qualifications

B.S. in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing or electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field
2 + years of manufacturing experience managing a product/product line across multiple work centers and/or departments, fluid, pressurized, propulsion, or environmental control hardware in design, manufacturing, or test
2-4+ years of experience for Manufacturing Engineer II
4-6+ years of experience for Senior Manufacturing Engineer
Hands-on fabrication, assembly, and/or integration experience; CAD proficiency (NX preferred)
Experience with CAD tools (e.g., Siemens NX) and the ability to review designs, generate manufacturing documentation, and design assembly or test tooling

Preferred Skills & Experience

Hands-on experience building or testing hardware, in industry or through student teams such as Formula SAE, rocketry, CubeSat, or robotics