Tooling and Fixture Specialist

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a 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. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demo's 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world's first commercial space station when it launches, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. 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 Tooling and Fixture Specialist reporting to the Production Manager, Structures to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space stations.

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


Responsibilities:

• Design, fabricate, and modify tools, fixtures, jigs, and other manufacturing aids to support a variety of special projects across mechanical assembly and structural integration
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Manufacturing and cross-functional engineering teams to understand build requirements and translate them into practical tooling solutions
• Support prototype and R&D builds from early concept through completion, adapting tooling approaches as designs evolve
• Operate manual and CNC machine tools including mills, lathes, grinders, and other shop equipment with a high degree of accuracy and craftsmanship
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, CAD models, and technical specifications to produce tooling that meets tight tolerances
• Troubleshoot tooling and fixturing issues on the fly and propose effective, timely solutions
• Maintain, repair, and organize tooling inventory and shop equipment
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, tooling efficiency, and build quality
• Work safely and maintain a clean, organized work environment in accordance with company safety standards

Minimum Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Toolmaker, Machinist, and Welder or similar hands-on fabrication role
• Background in an R&D, prototype, or low-volume production environment, you are comfortable working with incomplete information and evolving requirements
• Strong proficiency with manual and/or CNC machining equipment
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and 3D CAD models
• High mechanical aptitude and a meticulous eye for quality and precision
• Self-starter mentality, able to take on loosely defined tasks and drive them to completion with minimal supervision
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across engineering and manufacturing team

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated industries
• Familiarity with a broad range of materials including aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, and composites
• Exposure to assembly tooling for large-scale or complex structural builds
• Experience with CAM software and/or basic CAD modeling (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar)
• Understanding of manufacturing quality systems and documentation practice

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to stand, kneel, and bend for extended periods in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted
• Comfortable working in and around large-scale hardware and manufacturing equipment

Pay Range:

• Tooling and Fixture Specialist I: $38 - $54
• Tooling and Fixture Specialist II: $42 - $59

Pay Range: California

$38-$59 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, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, 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 & onsite barista, 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.