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 an Electrical Engineer, Avionics reporting to the Director of E-2 Engineering, to help create the world's highest performing engine for small launchers, while optimizing for production and low cost. In this role, you will join a team with exciting momentum that has produced and successfully tested fully integrated engine development samples. You will be a key member who will help complete the flight engine design and transition the system from development to production.

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

Responsibilities

Responsible Engineer for avionics boards, wiring harnesses, instrumentation, and power electronics on the engin
Design and develop complex multi-layer printed circuit boards (PCBs) for flight hardware, adhering to rigorous space-grade standards
Schematic capture, component selection, and layout for high-reliability boards
Translate high-level operational requirements into detailed electrical specifications and design documents
Perform trade studies and analyses to select optimal components, technologies, and design approaches
Define and execute avionics test plans and setups
Ensure that development and testing is carried out in a safe and controlled manner, prioritizing the safety above all else
Communicate effectively with the entire team to regularly provide updates on progress and issues

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field
Industry experience in electrical engineering, with a focus on system and PCB design

Preferred Skills & Experience

Strong documentation and communication skills
Hands-on experience with product testing
Experience with testing protocols and standards relevant to space systems
Experience coordinating and/or supervising the outputs of other engineers
Experience developing applications in python
Familiarity with Git, Cmake, and GNU tools
Knowledge of CI/CD and issue tracking tools such as the Atlassian Suite (JIRA, Bitbucket, Confluence) and Github
Experience with Embedded Systems
Fault-tolerant and safety-critical software design
Experience developing software for complex systems such as spacecraft, aircraft or autonomous vehicles
Network programming experience
Experience working with satellite communications or telemetry systems
Familiarity with power supplies, electronic loads, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and digital multimeters

Additional Requirements

Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted

Pay Range: California

$112,340—$195,552 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.