Senior Mechanical Engineer, Solar Arrays

Vast is looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer, Solar Arrays, reporting to the Principal Power Systems Engineer, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.The Mechanical Engineer, Solar will own the mechanical design and structural performance of key components within the solar array system—including hinges, deployment mechanisms, primary/secondary structural elements for Haven-2. You will be responsible for ensuring reliable deployment and integration with the overall space station platform.

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

Responsibilities:

• Lead mechanical design of deployable solar array structures, hinges, HDRMs, yokes and locking mechanisms.
• Develop detailed CAD models, FEA/thermal analysis, and manufacturing drawings for solar array structural components.
• Own mechanical architecture trades for array deployment, stowage volume, and mass optimization.
• Perform static, dynamic, thermal, and fatigue analysis of mechanical elements using relevant aerospace standards.
• Drive design validation through testing—development of test plans, coordination with test teams, and test data analysis.
• Collaborate with suppliers for hardware procurement, build integration, and fabrication of mechanical components.
• Interface with systems engineering, power electronics, structures, thermal, and mission assurance teams for end-to-end integration.
• Troubleshoot issues across the product lifecycle—from design through integration and testing.
• Participate in design reviews, drawing checks, and technical documentation for internal and NASA deliverables.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• 3 years experience with CAD and FEA software packages.
• Experience working with design, manufacture and verification of electromechanical systems, photovoltaics, or composite structures.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience in the space industry, including developing, building, and testing deployable solar arrays.
• Experience with space mechanism design and aerospace guidelines such as GSFC-STD-7000A (GEVS), AIAA S-114-2005, NASA-STD-5017, MMPDS, etc.
• Proactive problem-solving skills such as failure analysis and root cause investigation.
• Prior experience in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
• Design work in recent versions of NX, Teamcenter.
• Analysis work in recent versions of Ansys, FeMap/Nastran, Abaqus, Thermal Desktop.
• Experience with GD&T implementation and analysis (ASME Y14.5).
• Familiarity with spacecraft specifications such as SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5001, and NASA-STD-5019.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time.
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.

Pay Range:

• Mechanical Engineer: $120,000-$140,000
• Senior Mechanical Engineer: $140,000-$170,000