Senior Mechanical Engineer, Thermal Control Systems

Vast is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer, Thermal Control Systems, reporting to the Senior Manager, Thermal Control Systems Hardware, to build the fluid and thermal systems that make artificial gravity—and long-term human life in space—possible. You will develop hardware that must operate flawlessly in orbit, leading projects from concept through flight. This is a high-impact role for an engineer who thrives in fast-paced development, embraces technical ownership, and wants their work to directly shape the future of human spaceflight.

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

Responsibilities

As a senior technical contributor, you will bring engineering rigor, creativity, and a builder’s mindset to every phase of hardware development.

• Own the architecture, design, and performance of thermal control system hardware, including tubing, fluid loops, trays, and related assemblies.
• Lead the full hardware lifecycle—from early design trades through manufacturing, qualification testing, launch prep, and on-orbit operation.
• Prototype and iterate rapidly, driving development testing that accelerates learning and improves system performance.
• Perform systems engineering analyses and requirement definition, ensuring seamless integration with mechanical, avionics, software, and mission operations teams.
• Lead design reviews with internal partners and external suppliers, delivering clear technical recommendations.
• Ensure manufacturability, reliability, and human-rated safety, translating complex designs into hardware that can be built consistently and perform in space.
• Collaborate closely across disciplines, supporting technicians and manufacturing teams as designs move into production.
• Take ownership of timelines and outcomes, bringing a mission-driven mindset to every deliverable.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline
• Experience working with fluid systems
• 5+ years of hands-on hardware experience (fabrication, assembly, and/or testing)

Preferred Skills & Experience

• 4+ years designing or developing fluid systems or components
• Demonstrated ownership of mechanical or fluid hardware in a fast-paced engineering environment
• Hands-on experience in fabrication, assembly, or test operations
• Expertise in root-cause analysis, test design, and systems-level failure investigation
• Ability to make crisp, principled engineering decisions using first-principles reasoning
• Experience with rotating machinery
• Proficiency in NX and strong application of GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis
• Background in structural analysis (hand calculations, FEMAP, ANSYS)
• Familiarity with machining, welding, brazing, tube bending, and other manufacturing processes
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills, with the ability to perform in a high-ownership, mission-driven environment

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 5%
• Willingness to support occasional evening or weekend work during critical mission phases

Pay Range

Senior Mechanical Engineer: $135,800 - $176,400