Senior Fluid Systems Engineer Long , California,

At Vast, we develop next‑generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy. We are rapidly building our multi‑module Haven Station and aim to launch Haven‑1, the world’s first commercial space station, by 2025.

Senior Fluids Systems Engineer –
Vast
, Long Beach, CA. Full‑time, exempt position. Design, develop, test, and integrate fluid‑based hardware and systems that support life support, thermal management, propulsion, pressurization, and other spacecraft functions across the entire hardware lifecycle.

• Design, develop, analyze, and test fluid and mechanical systems for human‑rated spacecraft.
• Own hardware and subsystem development from early architecture through flight qualification and operation.
• Perform fluid, thermal, and systems analyses to inform design decisions and system performance.
• Conduct trade studies and make engineering recommendations using first principles and engineering fundamentals.
• Lead design reviews and collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams including structures, avionics, software, manufacturing, integration, test, quality, and mission operations.
• Develop and execute component, subsystem, and integrated system test campaigns.
• Support fabrication, assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and validation of flight hardware.
• Drive root‑cause investigations, failure analysis, and corrective actions during development and test.
• Ensure designs are manufacturable, reliable, maintainable, and scalable for production.
• Partner with suppliers to develop and qualify hardware and manufacturing processes.
• Contribute to the development of systems supporting propulsion, thermal control, environmental control and life support, pressurization, and other spacecraft fluid systems.
• Bring technical excellence, urgency, and ownership to every stage of development.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of professional experience developing hardware, fluid systems, thermal systems, propulsion systems, environmental control systems, or other complex mechanical systems.
• Hands‑on experience with fabrication, assembly, integration, testing, or troubleshooting of hardware.
• Experience working within cross‑functional engineering teams to develop complex products.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.

• Experience with fluid systems, thermal systems, propulsion systems, environmental control systems, or other high‑reliability engineering applications.
• Experience designing and developing hardware from concept through production.
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, or system integration.
• Experience performing failure analysis, root‑cause investigations, and design‑of‑experiments.
• Proficiency with CAD tools such as Siemens NX.
• Knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, brazing, tube bending, assembly, and testing.
• Experience with high‑pressure, hazardous, or safety‑critical fluid systems.
• Familiarity with structural analysis tools and methods.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of hardware and deliver results in a fast‑paced development environment.

Base salary varies based on experience, education, and market demand. In addition to competitive compensation, full‑time employees receive equity, medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off (20+ days vacation for exempt staff, 10+ days for non‑exempt), paid parental leave, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, 401(k) plan, Class Pass credits, and personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health.

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls and must either be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing.

Vast is an equal‑opportunity employer; employment 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.