Vast · 2 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer, Interiors
Long Beach, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$110K/yr - $176K/yr
2+ years expVast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies. The Mechanical Engineer, Interiors will support the development of systems required for designing and building artificial-gravity human-rated space stations, focusing on the design and production of soft goods for human-occupied modules.
Defense & Space
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Work cross functionally to define requirements for interior subsystems according to habitat architecture and crew use
Work with the design team to select and validate materials: textiles, foams, fabrics, coatings, insulation, etc., considering off‑gassing, flame resistance, thermal cycling, wear, cleaning/sterilization, etc
Create and iterate designs: sketching, CAD, prototyping, physical mockups, build fabrication, lab testing
Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure integration: attachment details, interfaces, anchoring, interfaces with rigid structures, loads in dynamic and static cases
Develop test plans, test fixtures, qualification test campaigns, and perform or oversee testing (mechanical loads, fatigue, abrasion, environmental exposure)
Work with suppliers and manufacturing to translate designs into manufacturable products, specify tolerances, quality assurance, inspections
Document design decisions, analysis, drawings, specifications; maintain material tracker
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline
Relevant mechanical design engineering project experience on a university or professional level
2+ years experience with CAD and FEA software packages
Engineering fundamentals in problem solving & strong hands-on skills
Excellent communication skills; ability to synthesize inputs across teams (industrial design, human factors, structural, safety, manufacturing)
Comfort working in ambiguity; ability to move fast, take ownership, and deliver under tight schedule constraints
Ability to travel (supplier / vendor visits) occasionally (< 10‑15%) and willingness to support hands‑on build / installation / field test as needed
Preferred
3‑5 years of engineering experience with soft goods, textiles, or fabric structures — ideally in aerospace, vehicle interiors, safety equipment
Knowledge of soft good manufacturing processes (upholstery, coating, laminates, bonding, sewing, foam routing)
Experience with environmental qualification (structural, thermal cycling, radiation, UV)
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.
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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