Lead Manufacturing Engineer, Propulsion

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station 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. 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 in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.Headquartered in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.Vast is looking for a Lead Manufacturing Engineer, Propulsion, reporting to the Manager, Structures & Fluids Manufacturing, to lead the team responsible for the development, production, and integration of propulsion and pressurization hardware for artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.Responsibilities: Lead the propulsion manufacturing engineering team day to day: set priorities, assign ownership, run team rhythms, and mentor engineersParticipate in hiring and onboarding new engineers to the teamOwn manufacturing development, production readiness, and build execution for propulsion and pressurization hardware, including valves, regulators, tubing, ducting, manifolds, COPVs, fittings, and instrumentation, while staying hands-on with your own hardwareOwn the propulsion manufacturing schedule and build sequencing across development, qualification, and flight buildsReport hardware status, risks, and mitigation plans to program leadershipPartner with propulsion and systems design teams to drive design for manufacturing and manufacturing readinessDevelop, qualify, and optimize manufacturing processes and production equipment, including welding, brazing, tube fabrication, precision cleaning, and proof and leak testingWork directly with suppliers on manufacturing readiness, including review and approval of supplier processes and documentationPartner with quality engineering to define inspection methods, acceptance criteria, and process controls for safety-critical fluid componentsSet a strong safety and quality culture for high-pressure and hazardous fluid hardwareMinimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering, or a related discipline5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace, propulsion, or high-reliability fluid systems3+ years of hands-on hardware experience supporting fabrication, assembly, integration, and/or testing of fluid system hardwareExperience developing manufacturing processes, travelers, work instructions, and production documentation for safety-critical fluid hardwareExperience with CAD tools (e.g., Siemens NX) and the ability to review designs, generate manufacturing documentation, and design assembly or test toolingExperience mentoring engineers or leading a workstream, build, or small team (formal people management experience not required)Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends as needed to support critical propulsion testing and mission milestonesPreferred Skills & Experience:Master’s degree in an engineering disciplineExperience as a technical lead, project lead, or informal team lead on hardware programsExperience participating in hiring and interviewing engineersStrong interest in developing into a people managerExperience with manufacturing and assembly of high-pressure or hazardous fluid systems, including propellant feed, pressurization, venting, and purge systemsStrong understanding of propulsion fluid system manufacturing, including tube fabrication, welding, brazing, precision cleaning, and assembly processesHands-on experience testing, troubleshooting, and qualifying propulsion or fluid components, including proof, leak, and functional testingExperience integrating COPVs, valves, regulators, and instrumentation into flight systemsExperience developing and qualifying production equipment, assembly tooling, and test toolingStrong GD&T knowledge and experience creating and reviewing engineering drawingsExperience with Siemens NXExperience reviewing and approving supplier manufacturing processes and documentationProven problem-solving skills with hands-on root cause analysis and corrective and preventive action experienceStrong cross-functional communication skills and the ability to work effectively with propulsion, systems, test, and quality teamsHigh attention to detail and a strong ownership mindset for safety-critical hardwarePay Range: California$136,120—$193,224 USDWe calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.COMPENSATION 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: 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 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.