Senior Mechanical Engineer, Thermal Control Systems

OverviewSenior Mechanical Engineer, Thermal Control Systems – Long Beach, California, United StatesAt Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero gravity. Haven-1 is scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low Earth orbit in May 2026. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer, Thermal Control Systems to support the development of systems required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.This is a full-time, exempt position located in Long Beach, CA.ResponsibilitiesOwn the design and development of thermal control systems and components (e.g., heat exchangers, cold plates, heaters, heat pipes) from initial design trades to fully functional and validated systems.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 integration with avionics, software, and mission operations.Ensure designs are manufacturable and reliable.Demonstrate technical excellence in all work.Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or another engineering discipline.Experience with fluid systems or components.5+ years of hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing.Preferred Skills & Experience4+ years of experience with fluid systems or components.Ability to own hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting.Proactive problem-solving skills including failure analysis, root cause investigation, and design of experiments.Ability to perform trade studies using first principles to make recommendations with partial information.Experience with rotating machinery.Experience with NX and GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis.Experience with structural analysis methods (hand calculations, FEMAP, ANSYS) for hardware optimization and life/fracture evaluation.Knowledge of metallic and fluid system manufacturing techniques and processes (machining, welding, brazing, tube bending, etc.).Ability to work well in an integrated team environment with technicians, engineers, and managers.Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment and drive continuous improvement.Additional RequirementsAbility to travel up to 10% of the time.Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.Pay RangeSenior Mechanical Engineer: $135,800 - $176,400Salary Range: California$135,800 - $176,400 USDCompensation and BenefitsBase salary will vary based on knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Full-time employees receive company equity and a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical/dental/vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible PTO for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short- and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, health memberships, wellness benefits, and other perks. We also offer high-quality meals and various on-site perks.U.S. Export Control Compliance StatusThe person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls and must be a “U.S. person” as defined by applicable regulations or be otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing.Equal OpportunityVast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is based on merit, competence, 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, or any other legally protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-17