Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Fluid Systems

Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Fluid Systems

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 May 2026. 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 seeking a Fluid Systems Manufacturing Engineer (Senior or Staff level) to join our team in Long Beach. Reporting to the Manager of Fluid Systems Manufacturing, this role will play a key part in developing the systems required for the design and build of the world's first artificial-gravity, human-rated space stations.

This is a full-time, exempt position based in Long Beach, California.

Responsibilities include:

• Conceptualize, develop, and manufacture innovative tube-bending and welding cells to meet the demanding requirements of the Haven-1 program. Lead first-build and test efforts, including design integration, assembly sequencing, mBOM development, work order creation, and specification authoring.
• Create and maintain detailed manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, and work instructions to ensure consistent, accurate production of all tubing systems.
• Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges through root-cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions.
• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to challenge assumptions, push boundaries, and drive efficient human-spaceflight production within aggressive timelines.
• Collaborate closely with design engineers, integration engineers, production teams, and external vendors to execute builds expediently and efficiently.
• Develop efficient, capability-driven tooling solutions that streamline production, increase system output, and reduce operational burden.
• Partner with quality assurance teams to establish and maintain rigorous quality control processes.
• Establish and maintain standard practices, troubleshooting guides, and standardized repair procedures; review and approve all related planning documents.
• Support day-to-day production of bent tubes, orbital tube welding (OTW), and manually welded tubing, ensuring optimal efficiency and adherence to quality standards.
• Evaluate and challenge existing production and design requirements for tubing assemblies, using data-driven insights to eliminate waste and optimize the manufacturing process.
• Continuously streamline and improve production systems by proactively identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall product quality.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Hands-on experience in one or more of the following: tube bending, orbital tube welding (OTW), TIG welding, precision cleaning, tooling design, fluid systems design, or pressure testing.
• 2+ years of manufacturing engineering experience (internships and extracurricular engineering experience acceptable), preferably within aerospace, oil & gas, or pharmaceutical industries.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Comfortable working in a rapidly changing, high-stress environment balancing several projects at any given time.
• Strong understanding of fluid systems.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to perform root cause analysis.
• Hands-on experience with testing and troubleshooting fluids components and systems is desirable.

Additional Requirements:

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

Pay Range:

• Senior Manufacturing Engineer: $120,000 - $160,720
• Staff Manufacturing Engineer: $150,000 - $196,000

Compensation and benefits include base salary, company equity, medical, dental, and vision coverage, flexible paid time off, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also offer exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized.