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Vast · 2 weeks ago

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Solar Arrays

Long Beach, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$140K/yr - $170K/yr

3+ years exp

Vast is dedicated to advancing space exploration by building artificial gravity space stations. The Senior Mechanical Engineer, Solar Arrays will lead the mechanical design and structural performance of solar array systems, ensuring reliable deployment and integration with the overall space station platform.

Defense & Space

Culture & Values

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Lead mechanical design of deployable solar array structures, hinges, HDRMs, yokes and locking mechanisms

Develop detailed CAD models, FEA/thermal analysis, and manufacturing drawings for solar array structural components

Own mechanical architecture trades for array deployment, stowage volume, and mass optimization

Perform static, dynamic, thermal, and fatigue analysis of mechanical elements using relevant aerospace standards

Drive design validation through testing—development of test plans, coordination with test teams, and test data analysis

Collaborate with suppliers for hardware procurement, build integration, and fabrication of mechanical components

Interface with systems engineering, power electronics, structures, thermal, and mission assurance teams for end-to-end integration

Troubleshoot issues across the product lifecycle—from design through integration and testing

Participate in design reviews, drawing checks, and technical documentation for internal and NASA deliverables

Qualification

Mechanical designCAD softwareFEA analysisElectromechanical systemsSpace mechanism designGD&T implementationProactive problem-solvingTeam collaborationTechnical documentation

Required

Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related engineering discipline

3 years experience with CAD and FEA software packages

Experience working with design, manufacture and verification of electromechanical systems, photovoltaics, or composite structures

Ability to travel up to 20% of the time

Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones

Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted

Preferred

Experience in the space industry, including developing, building, and testing deployable solar arrays

Experience with space mechanism design and aerospace guidelines such as GSFC-STD-7000A (GEVS), AIAA S-114-2005, NASA-STD-5017, MMPDS, etc

Proactive problem-solving skills such as failure analysis and root cause investigation

Prior experience in a fast-paced manufacturing setting

Design work in recent versions of NX, Teamcenter

Analysis work in recent versions of Ansys, FeMap/Nastran, Abaqus, Thermal Desktop

Experience with GD&T implementation and analysis (ASME Y14.5)

Familiarity with spacecraft specifications such as SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5001, and NASA-STD-5019

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, and lunch subsidized

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.

Founded in 2021

Long Beach, California, US

501-1000 employees