Vast · 1 day ago
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Thermal Control Systems
Long Beach, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$136K/yr - $176K/yr
5+ years expVast is a company focused on contributing to a future where billions of people thrive in space by building artificial gravity space stations. They are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to develop hardware for thermal control systems essential for long-term human life in space, leading projects from concept through flight.
Defense & Space
Responsibilities
Own the architecture, design, and performance of thermal control system hardware, including tubing, fluid loops, trays, and related assemblies
Lead the full hardware lifecycle—from early design trades through manufacturing, qualification testing, launch prep, and on-orbit operation
Prototype and iterate rapidly, driving development testing that accelerates learning and improves system performance
Perform systems engineering analyses and requirement definition, ensuring seamless integration with mechanical, avionics, software, and mission operations teams
Lead design reviews with internal partners and external suppliers, delivering clear technical recommendations
Ensure manufacturability, reliability, and human-rated safety, translating complex designs into hardware that can be built consistently and perform in space
Collaborate closely across disciplines, supporting technicians and manufacturing teams as designs move into production
Take ownership of timelines and outcomes, bringing a mission-driven mindset to every deliverable
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline
Experience working with fluid systems
5+ years of hands-on hardware experience (fabrication, assembly, and/or testing)
Preferred
4+ years designing or developing fluid systems or components
Demonstrated ownership of mechanical or fluid hardware in a fast-paced engineering environment
Hands-on experience in fabrication, assembly, or test operations
Expertise in root-cause analysis, test design, and systems-level failure investigation
Ability to make crisp, principled engineering decisions using first-principles reasoning
Experience with rotating machinery
Proficiency in NX and strong application of GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis
Background in structural analysis (hand calculations, FEMAP, ANSYS)
Familiarity with machining, welding, brazing, tube bending, and other manufacturing processes
Exceptional communication and organizational skills, with the ability to perform in a high-ownership, mission-driven environment
Benefits
100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents
Flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff
Paid parental leave
Short and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
Access to a 401(k) retirement plan
One Medical membership
ClassPass credits
Personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health
Other discounts and perks
Snacks, drip coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge
Lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees
Company
Vast
Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure 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.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Max Haot
Chief Executive Officer
Alex Hudson
Chief Technology Officer
Recent News
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2025-09-14
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