Senior Manufacturing 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 looking for a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, reporting to the Vice President of E-2, to create the world's highest performing engine for small launchers, while optimizing for production and low cost. In this role, you will join a team with exciting momentum that has produced and successfully tested fully integrated engine development samples. You will be a key member who will help transition the system from development to production.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Hawthorne location.

Responsibilities:

• Hands on collaboration with the design team to transfer knowledge and provide input on the manufacturability and assembly processes for E-2 engine
• Create and maintain detailed manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, and work instructions to ensure consistent and accurate production
• Own MBOM transition to MES
• Support manufacturing and assembly shop layout
• Document and hold Manufacturing and Test Readiness Reviews
• Perform hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of components, ensuring compliance with engineering specifications and industry standards
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering and manufacturing, to ensure seamless integration of manufacturing processes
• Specify and procure dedicated manufacturing and tools and equipment
• Provide mentoring to junior engineers
• Implement continuous improvements on shop floor to increase productivity

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 5 + years of experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in aerospace

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams
• Proficiency in CAD software (such as Siemens NX) for reviewing designs and creating manufacturing documentation
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work
• Strong GD&T skills, and experience creating and reviewing drawings
• Strong understanding of fluid systems, tube manufacturing processes, welding and assembly techniques
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to perform root cause analysis
• Hands-on experience with testing and troubleshooting fluid components is desirable

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted
• Specific certifications, as appropriate

Pay Range: California

$135,000—$195,000 USD

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.