Director, Fluid Systems Analysis

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 Director, Fluid System Analysis, reporting to the Vice President of Fluid Systems, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location. Key Responsibilities Manage and lead a team of Propulsion and Thermal analysts, including hiring, mentoring, and technical developmentSet standards for analysis methods, documentation, and best practices in a fast-paced, evolving environmentExpand company capabilities in analysis by validating and establishing methods and practices across structural, fluid, and thermal domainsCreate and maintain FEA models of propulsion components to support design and certificationDefine and review critical loads and load cases in collaboration with GNC, fluids analysis, dynamics/loads engineers and design teamsMentor design and analysis engineers in analysis methods and validation via testing to review/approve component drawings with feedbackPartner with test engineering to plan and execute structural and dynamic tests, and perform associated analysesOversee multiphase propellant feed system and microgravity fluid behavior modeling, including vaporization, condensation, propellant acquisition and slosh dynamicsGuide high-pressure gas system analysis, transient flow behavior (e.g., water hammer, adiabatic compression), and thruster plume impingement studiesSupport development and validation of propulsion fluid systems using best practices Integrate simulation results with ground and flight test data to validate models and refine designsPartner closely with design, manufacturing, propulsion, thermal, and GN&C teams to ensure analysis informs critical decisionsPresent technical findings at design reviews and contribute to NASA certification processesLead root cause investigations and corrective actions when issues ariseMinimum QualificationsB.S. degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering field8+ years of relevant aerospace design and analysis experience2+ years of experience overseeing / managing a technical engineering or analysis teamStrong expertise in structural analysis, including FEA modeling, stress analysis, and load case developmentExperience with thermo fluid analysis tools (CFD, 1-D system modeling, etc.)Knowledge of mechanical design, manufacturing processes, and design-for-manufacturability principlesPreferred QualificationsM.S. or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineeringExperience in human spaceflight hardware design and analysisExpertise in multiphase fluid dynamics, propellant management, and slosh modeling under low-gravity conditionsExperience with thermo-mechanical fatigue, fracture analysis, and spectrum loading fatigue analysisHands-on experience with high-pressure gas systems, transient fluid dynamics and heat exchangers5+ years of experience with liquid or gas rocket engine combustion devices, including RCS designTrack record of leading multidisciplinary teams linking analysis predictions with test and qualification data to accelerate hardware development and certificationPay Range: California$203,360—$232,800 USDCOMPENSATION 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.