Manufacturing Engineer, Structures

Role Summary

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station 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 for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite , a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.

Headquartered in Long Beach, California , and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

Vast has multiple Senior Manufacturing Engineer openings, reporting to the Manager of Structures Fabrication, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

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

$137,760 — $230,472 USD

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.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the build and inspection process for the assembly of the primary structure
• Develop and refine manufacturing processes, including: welding, trimming, shearing, rolling, bending, and more to meet all design and business requirements including safety, quality, efficiency and delivery
• Document and standardize welding and other processes and own the creation and modification of manufacturing planning/work instructions
• Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve large-scale production challenges
• Work with design engineers to evaluate designs for manufacturability and implementation in a rapidly evolving production environment
• Resolve product non-conformances and collaborate with the quality team to implement root cause corrective actions
• Help manufacturing and engineering teams to identify, plan, and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to meet volume production demand
• Develop and refine floor layouts, capacity models, and product flow analysis to ensure on-time vehicle delivery to manifest

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Comparable STEM field
• One of the following:
• 3+ years collaborating with stakeholders to implement new manufacturing processes, products, or tools, (especially involving metallic assemblies), OR
• 3+ years collaborating with stakeholders to revise and improve existing manufacturing processes, products, or tools,(especially involving metallic assemblies)
• One of the following:
• 3+ years of manufacturing experience managing a product/product line across multiple work centers and/or departments, OR
• 3+ years of manufacturing experience managing multiple products/product lines within a single work center/department

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with large-scale metal forming and/or welding processes (~Ø20 ft. assemblies)
• Experience with automated or semi-automated metal forming and/or welding processes
• Experience collaborating with stakeholders to address manufacturing non-conformances and implement corrective actions
• Experience in a fast-paced development environment, especially development-to-production transitions for new products/projects
• Knowledge of manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment related to welding and metal forming/rolling
• Experience transitioning complex products from R&D to production in a fast-paced environment
• Experience in a production environment within the aerospace industry
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted
• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Senior Manufacturing Engineer: $137,760 - $195,552
• Staff Manufacturing Engineer: $162,360 - $230,472

Pay Range: California

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.

Additional Information

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.

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.