Staff Propulsion Engineer, Haven

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in May 2026. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.Vast is looking for a Staff Propulsion Engineer, reporting to the Director of Haven Propulsion, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.This will be a full-time,exempt position located in our Long Beach location. Responsibilities:Develop (design, analyze, build, and test) propulsion thrusters, fluid components (e.g., valves, instrumentation, etc.), tanks/pressure vessels, and/or fluid systems specific to spacecraft serving space stationsOwn critical spacecraft propulsion hardware/systems, assuming profound responsibility for their hardwareInterface with a world-class production team to ensure successful translation of designs into spacecraftMinimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, or physics7+ years of mechanical or fluids design, analysis, or build experience (student project team and internship experience qualifies)Direct propulsion development/design engineering experience required.Preferred Skills & Experience:Advanced degree in aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, or physicsStrong understanding of spacecraft and/or launch vehicle propulsion systems and fluid componentsExperience in NX 8.5 or other CAD packages (PTC Creo, CATIA) with a solid understanding and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5-1994Proficient in basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, materials, and electrical circuitsProfessional or project experience with FEMAP, ANSYS, or similar finite element analysis (FEA) software tools, as well as a good understanding of fatigue, fracture, and crack propagationKnowledge of metallic and fluid system manufacturing techniques, processes, equipment, and other processes such as machining, electron beam welding, orbital tube welding, tube bending, structural assembly, etc.Good understanding and experience working with aerospace materials (metals, plastics, composites)Solid understanding of test methods/setups and data acquisition systemsAbility to perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals to make clear recommendations even with partial informationPassion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflightAble to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, other engineers, and managersHighly self-motivated with strong organizational and written/oral communication skills – able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with the ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of workAdditional Requirements:Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestonesUp to 10% travel to Mojave as neededPay Range:Staff Engineer IV: $160,000-$200,000Salary Range: California$160,000—$200,000 USDCOMPENSATION AND BENEFITSBase salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 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, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUSThe person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.EQUAL OPPORTUNITYVast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.