Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Control Systems

Responsibilities:

• Own the design and development of thermal control systems and components for our artificial-gravity space station, such as heat exchangers, cold plates, heaters, and heat pipes, from initial design trades through a fully validated system.
• Lead thermal and fluid analyses, and use the results to drive design decisions and define margins.
• Perform systems engineering for your hardware, including requirements, interfaces, and verification by test, analysis, inspection, or demonstration.
• Lead development and qualification testing, and iterate on designs and manufacturing processes in a fast-paced environment.
• Own the delivery timeline for your hardware from early design through production, launch, and orbit insertion.
• Lead internal design reviews and technical reviews with suppliers and customers.
• Partner with avionics, software, and mission operations teams to make sure your system integrates across the station.
• Make sure designs are manufacturable and reliable, working with fabricators, technicians, and suppliers to resolve issues.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in mechanical, aerospace, or civil engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field.
• 2+ years of experience designing and developing mechanical components or systems.
• 2-4+ years of experience for Mechanical Engineer II
• 4-6+ years of experience for Senior Mechanical Engineer
• Proficiency with 3D CAD and FEA software packages.
• Experience implementing and analyzing GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Design of structures and components for a high-performance vehicle or spacecraft.
• Experience with design work in recent versions of NX and Teamcenter.
• Experience with thermal and structural analysis using Ansys, Femap/Nastran, Abaqus, or similar tools.
• Proactive problem-solving skills, including failure analysis and root cause investigation.
• Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with spacecraft specifications and environmental test standards such as SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5001, and MIL-STD-810.
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
• Mechanical Engineer/ Level I: $86,100.00 - $122,220.00
• Mechanical Engineer/ Level II: $112,340.00 - $159,468.00
• Senior Mechanical Engineer/ Level III: $137,760.00 - $195,552.00
• 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.
• 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.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Pay Ranges: