Your space-enabled career begins here

Vast is looking for a(n) Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Fluid Systems, reporting to the Manager, Thermal Control Systems, 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.
• Leverage critical thinking and problem-solving skills to constantly challenge the norms and pushing the boundaries to achieve efficient production fluid transport systems for human space flight within timelines.
• Collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and reliability 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.
• 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, OTW, and manually 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 areas for cost reduction while enhancing overall quality and efficiency.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 1+ years of mechanical design and hands-on manufacturing experience (internships and extracurricular experience is applicable)

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:

• Senior Manufacturing Engineer L3: $120,000-$164,000
• Staff Manufacturing Engineer L4: $150,000-$200,000