Propulsion Structures Engineer

Vast is looking for a Propulsion Structures Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager, Propulsion Flight Hardware, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space stations.

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

Responsibilities:

• Serve as responsible engineer for propulsion mechanical hardware: tubing assemblies, brackets, mounts, and propulsion-owned secondary structure.
• Act as the primary interface between the Propulsion and Structures teams, coordinating loads, interfaces, and design requirements across both groups.
• Perform structural analysis to drive design decisions, covering static and dynamic loads, vibration, thermo-mechanical, and other environmental considerations.
• Perform mechanical design and analysis, develop manufacturing drawings, test plans, and concepts of operations, and follow hardware from design release through build and acceptance.
• Lead trade studies and own interfaces with adjacent subsystems.
• Work directly with fabricators and technicians to improve designs, mature processes, and resolve build issues.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, civil engineering, physics, or math or equivalent experience.
• 4+ years of experience with CAD and FEA software packages.
• 4+ years of experience designing and developing mechanical components or systems.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Working knowledge of propulsion systems; time spent in or alongside a propulsion team is a strong plus.
• Structural design and analysis of components for a high-performance vehicle or spacecraft.
• Demonstrated failure analysis and root cause investigation skills.
• Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Design work in recent versions of NX/Teamcenter.
• Analysis work in recent versions of Ansys, Femap/Nastran, or Abaqus.
• Experience with GD&T implementation and analysis per ASME Y14.5.
• Familiarity with spacecraft design and test specifications such as SMC-S-016 and NASA-STD-5001.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends to support critical mission milestones.

Pay Range:

• Senior Propulsion Engineer Level III: $137,760.00 - $195,552.00
• Staff Propulsion Engineer Level IV: $162,360.00 - $230,472.00
• Principal Propulsion Engineer Level V: $186,960.00 - $265,392.00

We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.

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.