2026 Fall Internship - Mechanical / Aerospace

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 offers an advanced internship program with hands-on opportunities to design and build space hardware and software. You will play a crucial role in the development and build of the systems that will be required for the operation of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. Our interns are mentored by industry experts to solve challenging real-world engineering problems across our hiring teams. This is a 12 week fall internship at our office in Long Beach, CA. Responsibilities will vary depending on each intern’s area of expertise. We are currently looking for candidates with experience in the the following engineering disciplines: Thermal Control Systems Thermal Test ECLSS (Environmental Control and Life Support Systems) ECLSS Test Avionics Mechanical Minimum Qualifications: Qualified candidates must be enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master’s degree program from an accredited college or university in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other related engineering discipline. Ability to work full-time onsite in Long Beach, CA. Preferred Qualifications: Application of technical skills outside of the classroom (examples include: extracurricular projects, volunteering, personal projects, laboratory research, or prior internship/work experience) Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) for 3D modeling and simulation Attention to detail Strong engineering problem solving capabilities Basic knowledge of engineering and equipment Working knowledge of analysis tools Ability to collaborate across different teams Self-directed with a positive attitude and team spirit Pay Range: California

$35—$40 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: 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.