Mechanisms 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 Mechanisms Engineer, reporting to the Sr. Manager of Mechanisms, to support the development of space mechanisms.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
- Develop mechanisms from ideation to flight: design, analyze, build, test, and iteration. Some mechanisms include motorized assemblies, linkages, spring/damper systems, rotating hardware, and crew-operated assemblies
- Own critical spacecraft hardware/systems, assuming profound responsibility for their hardware
- Interface with a world-class production team to ensure successful translation of designs into spacecraft
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or similar engineering
- 2+ years of experience in the design, build, and/or test of mechanisms, structures, valves, or other mechanical systems
- Thriving in a team that emphasizes rapid prototyping, quick iteration, and a general bias towards action
- Strong understanding of spacecraft and/or launch vehicle mechanisms and mechanical assemblies
- Experience in NX/Teamcenter or other CAD packages (PTC Creo, CATIA) with a solid understanding and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5
- Professional or project experience with FEMAP, ANSYS, or similar finite element analysis (FEA) software tools, as well as a good understanding of fatigue, fracture, and crack propagation
- Knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques, processes, equipment, and other processes such as machining, welding, riveting, bending, assembling, etc.
- Good understanding and experience working with aerospace materials (metals, plastics, composites)
- Solid understanding of test methods/setups and data acquisition systems
- Ability to perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals to make clear recommendations even with partial information
- Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
- Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, other engineers, managers, and support teams
- Highly self-motivated with strong organizational and written/oral communication skills – able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with the ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work
- Up to 10% travel to remote sites and vendors as needed
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.
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.
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.
Preferred Skills & Experience
- Thriving in a team that emphasizes rapid prototyping, quick iteration, and a general bias towards action
- Strong understanding of spacecraft and/or launch vehicle mechanisms and mechanical assemblies
- Experience in NX/Teamcenter or other CAD packages (PTC Creo, CATIA) with a solid understanding and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5
- Professional or project experience with FEMAP, ANSYS, or similar finite element analysis (FEA) software tools, as well as a good understanding of fatigue, fracture, and crack propagation
- Knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques, processes, equipment, and other processes such as machining, welding, riveting, bending, assembling, etc.
- Good understanding and experience working with aerospace materials (metals, plastics, composites)
- Solid understanding of test methods/setups and data acquisition systems
- Ability to perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals to make clear recommendations even with partial information
- Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
- Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, other engineers, managers, and support teams
- Highly self-motivated with strong organizational and written/oral communication skills – able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with the ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work
Additional Requirements
- Up to 10% travel to remote sites and vendors as needed Pay Range: California $112,340—$230,000 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.
& Experience
- Thriving in a team that emphasizes rapid prototyping, quick iteration, and a general bias towards action
- Strong understanding of spacecraft and/or launch vehicle mechanisms and mechanical assemblies
- Experience in NX/Teamcenter or other CAD packages (PTC Creo, CATIA) with a solid understanding and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5
- Professional or project experience with FEMAP, ANSYS, or similar finite element analysis (FEA) software tools, as well as a good understanding of fatigue, fracture, and crack propagation
- Knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques, processes, equipment, and other processes such as machining, welding, riveting, bending, assembling, etc.
- Good understanding and experience working with aerospace materials (metals, plastics, composites)
- Solid understanding of test methods/setups and data acquisition systems
- Ability to perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals to make clear recommendations even with partial information
- Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
- Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, other engineers, managers, and support teams
- Highly self-motivated with strong organizational and written/oral communication skills – able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with the ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work
Additional Requirements
- Up to 10% travel to remote sites and vendors as needed Pay Range: California $112,340—$230,000 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.
- How much does the Mechanisms Engineer at Vast pay?
- The posting lists a range of $112K–$230K per year. Ranges reflect what Vast publicly declared on the source posting.
- Where is this Mechanisms Engineer role based?
- The role is based in Long Beach, California, United States.
- What experience does Vast expect for this role?
- The posting is tagged as a senior-level role, typically 5+ years of experience. Check the requirements section for specifics.
- Where is Vast headquartered?
- Vast is headquartered in Long Beach, USA.
- How was this posting sourced?
- This role was pulled directly from Vast's Greenhouse careers site. Apply links open in the employer's own ATS — no reposts or aggregator middleware.
Apply links open in the employer's official ATS. Always verify recruitment messages on the company's careers page before sharing personal information.