Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station 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. 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 in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite , a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.

Headquartered in Long Beach, California , and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

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

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.

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.