Manager, Harness Manufacturing Engineering Long , California,

Manager, Harness Manufacturing Engineering

Location:

Long Beach, California

Mission:
Vast is building artificial gravity space stations, enabling long‑term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero‑gravity. The initial crewed space habitat, Haven-1, will be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low‑Earth orbit in 2026. This role supports the design and build of artificial‑gravity human‑rated space stations.

• Lead and manage the avionics harness manufacturing engineering function, providing both technical leadership and people leadership to design, build, integrate, and test human‑rated avionics systems and wire harnesses.
• Collaborate closely with design engineering teams to provide early and continuous input on manufacturability, assembly, and testability (DFM/DFA).
• Own the development, standardization, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes, tooling, onboard equipment, and build strategies for avionics systems.
• Establish and maintain manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, work instructions, and process documentation to ensure consistent, compliant, and repeatable production.
• Build, mentor, and manage a team of avionics manufacturing engineers, setting priorities, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and supporting career development.
• Identify, assess, and resolve manufacturing risks and issues through root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions, and cross‑functional problem solving.
• Serve as the manufacturing engineering representative in design reviews, readiness reviews, and production reviews, advocating for manufacturing requirements and constraints.
• Partner with supply chain and suppliers to review and approve supplier manufacturing processes and support timely delivery of avionics hardware.
• Work closely with Quality, Production, Test, and Program teams to define quality controls, inspection plans, acceptance criteria, and escalation paths.
• Provide hands‑on technical support during assembly, integration, test, and troubleshooting activities on the production floor.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing principles, waste reduction techniques, and process maturity improvements.
• Track, communicate, and report manufacturing engineering performance metrics related to quality, schedule, cost, and execution risk.
• Stay current with industry standards, emerging technologies, and best practices in avionics and aerospace manufacturing.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in aerospace, avionics, or other highly regulated industries.
• 2+ years of experience leading or mentoring engineers, project teams, or technical functions.

• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.
• Willingness to work overtime or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.
• Specific certifications as appropriate.

Pay Range: $125,000 – $170,000 USD (California)

Base salary is one component of a comprehensive package. Full‑time employees receive company equity, 100% medical, dental and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off, paid parental leave, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, Class Pass credits, personalized mental health care, and additional perks such as free coffee, snacks and subsidized lunches.

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore must be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise be considered 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 is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications, and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.