Vast · 3 months ago
Tooling Manufacturing Engineer
Vast is a company dedicated to advancing space exploration by building artificial gravity space stations. As a Tooling Manufacturing Engineer, you will be responsible for the fabrication and activation of tooling necessary for the assembly and handling of spacecraft, ensuring that all systems perform as designed and are delivered on time.
Defense & Space
Responsibilities
Own the fabrication and activation of fixtures and tooling required for Haven-1 assembly, lifting, and handling
Collaborate with tooling engineering and production to define specifications, qualification plans, and transition tooling into production
Develop operation and maintenance plans for test fixtures and tooling; assist Facilities Managers with project implementation as needed
Manage schedules on assigned projects, including next steps, deadlines, and deliverables
Build and manage vendor relationships; coordinate meetings to evaluate new technologies and their application to Vast’s programs
Develop, test, and implement tooling fabrication process improvements to drive time savings
Coordinate tooling modifications in response to part, production, or design changes
Track and coordinate engineering changes with upstream and downstream stakeholders
Oversee and track recovery strategies for non-conformances, issues, or other escapes
Coordinate with procurement and internal/external stakeholders to ensure hardware and tooling priorities are aligned with need dates
Partner closely with engineering stakeholders and technicians to resolve production-related issues
Support continuous improvement initiatives to address program and process gaps
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Aerospace, or a related engineering discipline
2+ years of experience in aerospace or automotive tooling
2+ years of experience with NX or other 3D CAD software
Proficiency in GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
Experience working with work orders and assembly instructions
Strong ability to build trust, maintain professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion
Demonstrated bias for action and ownership, with good judgment on when to move quickly vs. when to deliberate
Knowledge of project planning and execution practices, including logic-linked schedule management
Significant configuration management experience with complex assemblies
Hands-on experience handling, lifting, or building large, complex assemblies
Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
Preferred
Experience with GANTT-style project management tools
Background in designing pneumatic, electrical, or hydraulic motion systems
Manufacturing experience with critical lifting and break-over fixtures
Experience in integration tooling design and fabrication
Passion for hardware development and comfort working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
Experience with NX and Teamcenter
Familiarity with Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) principles
Design experience including analysis and drawing development
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
Exceptional food perks, with 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.
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageRecent News
2025-10-17
2025-09-24
The Orlando Sentinel
2025-09-14
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