Mechanical Engineer II

At 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. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven‑1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low‑Earth orbit in 2026.

It is part of our stepping stone approach to continuous human presence in LEO. 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 Mechanical Engineer II
, reporting to the Senior Manager of E‑2 Engineering
, to support the development of the systems required for the design and build of artificial‑gravity human‑rated space stations.

You will contribute expertise toward creating 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 complete the flight engine design and transition the system from development to production.

This will be a full‑time
, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

• Responsible Engineer for Liquid Oxygen Turbopump.
• Design: work with our team and Chief Engineer to advance the design of E‑2. Create models and drawings of parts and assemblies. Perform calculations and analyses with team support.
• Manufacturing: work with our internal manufacturing team to create finished E‑2 parts. Support parts through 3D‑printing, machining, post‑processing, and inspection. Incorporate feedback to improve design for manufacturing.
• Assembly and test: support our integration team with propulsion component assembly build and testing.
• Create schematics and document processes.
• Participate in engine testing with our test team and support with troubleshooting as needed.
• Communicate effectively with the entire team to regularly provide updates on progress and issues.
• Always follow proper safety procedures and wear personal protective equipment in the workplace.

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of experience with mechanical design, development, fabrication, assembly, or test (internships included).

• Ability to work as a teammate and independently to achieve ambitious goals.
• Hands‑on engineering (full‑stack: computer to wrench to broom).
• CAD (NX preferred).
• Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Problem‑solving.
• Capable to grow positive, respectful, and professional relationships.
• Willing to make mistakes, take responsibilities, work independently and be transparent about your work.
• ANSYS.
• MATLAB.

• Work in an outdoor environment exposed to extreme weather conditions.
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.

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 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off 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, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, Class Pass 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, 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.

Salary Range:
California $110,000 – $140,000 USD

The…