Mechanical Engineer, Solar Arrays, Haven-2

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 Mechanical Engineer , reporting to the Principal Power Systems Engineer, to own the mechanical design and structural performance of key components within the solar array system—including hinges, deployment mechanisms, primary/secondary structural elements for Haven-2. You will be responsible for ensuring reliable deployment and integration with the overall space station platform.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location. 

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• 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

Additional Requirements:

• 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

Pay Range:

• Mechanical Engineer: $120,000-$140,000
• Senior Mechanical Engineer: $140,000-$170,000

Salary Range: California

$120,000—$170,000 USD

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Base 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 STATUS

The 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 OPPORTUNITY

Vast 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.