Mechanical Engineer, Thermal Control Systems II

At Vast, our mission is to create a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We develop next‑generation space stations to enable continuous human presence in space and unlock a new space economy. Position Title: Thermal Control Systems Mechanical Engineer Reporting To: Manager, Thermal Control Hardware Location: Long Beach, CA Employment: Full‑time, Exempt Responsibilities Own the design and development of thermal control systems and components for an artificial‑gravity space station, from initial design trades to fully functional and validated systems. Design thermal components such as heat exchangers, cold plates, heaters, heat pipes, and similar elements. Iterate on manufacturing processes and development testing in a fast‑paced environment. Own the project delivery timeline from early design through production, launch, and orbit insertion. Perform systems engineering tasks and fluid analyses. Lead design reviews internally and externally with suppliers and customers. Collaborate with interdisciplinary stakeholders to ensure components integrate with avionics, software, and mission operations systems. Ensure all designs are manufacturable, reliable, and of high technical quality. Demonstrate technical excellence in all aspects of work. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering discipline. Experience working with fluid systems or components. At least 5 years of hands‑on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing. Preferred Skills & Experience 4+ years of experience working with fluid systems or components. Demonstrated ability to own hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting. 4+ years of hands‑on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing. Proactive problem‑solving skills such as failure analysis, root cause investigation, and design of experiment creation. Ability to perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals to make clear recommendations even with partial information. Experience with rotating machinery. Experience in NX. Solid understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance stack‑up analysis. Experience with structural analysis methods (hand calculations, FEMAP, ANSYS) to optimize hardware to strength requirements and evaluate life and fracture. Knowledge of metallic and fluid system manufacturing techniques, processes, equipment, and related processes such as machining, welding, brazing, tube bending, etc. Strong teamwork and communication skills in an integrated, collaborative environment. Highly self‑motivated with strong organizational and written/oral communication skills, able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment while driving continuous improvement. Pay Range (California)

$112,340 – $159,468 USD

Compensation and Benefits Base salary is determined by job‑related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. In addition to salary, full‑time employees receive company equity and a comprehensive benefits package, 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 for non‑exempt staff, with the option to cash out unused vacation annually); paid parental leave; short and long‑term disability insurance; life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; ClassPass credits; personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health; and additional discounts and perks. U.S. Export Control Compliance Status The position requires access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls. Candidates must be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing (U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, and eligible asylees and refugees). This status does not include pending applications. Equal Opportunity Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is governed on the basis of merit and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr Dormont Manufacturing Co