Senior Fluid Systems Engineer

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 seeking a Senior Fluids Systems Engineer reporting to the Manager, Fluid Systems Engineering to help develop the critical systems that make long-duration human spaceflight possible. In this role, you will own the design, development, testing, and integration of fluid-based hardware and systems that support life support, thermal management, propulsion, pressurization, and other spacecraft functions. You will work across the entire hardware lifecycle—from concept development and trade studies through manufacturing, testing, launch, and on-orbit operations. We are looking for engineers who thrive in hands-on environments, enjoy solving first-principles engineering problems, and want to build flight hardware that directly supports humanity’s future in space. This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location. Responsibilities Design, develop, analyze, and test fluid and mechanical systems for human-rated spacecraft. Own hardware and subsystem development from early architecture through flight qualification and operation. Perform fluid, thermal, and systems analyses to inform design decisions and system performance. Conduct trade studies and make engineering recommendations using first principles and engineering fundamentals. Lead design reviews and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including structures, avionics, software, manufacturing, integration, test, quality, and mission operations. Develop and execute component, subsystem, and integrated system test campaigns. Support fabrication, assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and validation of flight hardware. Drive root-cause investigations, failure analysis, and corrective actions during development and test. Ensure designs are manufacturable, reliable, maintainable, and scalable for production. Partner with suppliers to develop and qualify hardware and manufacturing processes. Contribute to the development of systems supporting propulsion, thermal control, environmental control and life support, pressurization, and other spacecraft fluid systems. Bring technical excellence, urgency, and ownership to every stage of development. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. 5+ years of professional experience developing hardware, fluid systems, thermal systems, propulsion systems, environmental control systems, or other complex mechanical systems. Hands-on experience with fabrication, assembly, integration, testing, or troubleshooting of hardware. Experience working within cross-functional engineering teams to develop complex products. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Preferred Skills & Experience Experience with fluid systems, thermal systems, propulsion systems, environmental control systems, or other high-reliability engineering applications. Experience designing and developing hardware from concept through production. Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, or system integration. Experience performing failure analysis, root-cause investigations, and design-of-experiments. Proficiency with CAD tools such as Siemens NX. Knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysis. Experience with manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, brazing, tube bending, assembly, and testing. Experience with high-pressure, hazardous, or safety-critical fluid systems. Familiarity with structural analysis tools and methods. Demonstrated ability to take ownership of hardware and deliver results in a fast-paced development environment. Pay Range: Senior Fluid Systems Engineer: $137,700 - $195,550

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.