Fluid Systems Engineering

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 is looking for a Fluid Systems Engineer to support the design, development, manufacturing, and integration of fluid systems across our space station and spacecraft programs. Our fluid systems span environmental and thermal control (ECLSS/TCS), pressurized gas and propellant systems, electric propulsion feed systems, and ground support equipment — all of which are absolutely critical to the safety, performance, and reliability of our crew and spacecraft. As a Fluid Systems Engineer at Vast, you will work hands-on alongside technicians, manufacturing engineers, and cross-functional teams to bring fluid systems to life in a fast-paced, high-ownership environment. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, brings deep hands-on experience with fluid hardware, and can move fluidly between design, analysis, and the shop floor. This is a full-time, exempt position located at our Long Beach office. Responsibilities: • Own design, development, and delivery of fluid system hardware from concept through flight across ECLSS, TCS, or propulsion programs • Perform fluid analyses, trade studies, and systems engineering tasks using first principles to drive clear design decisions • Design and develop pressurized hardware including tanks, valves, regulators, pumps, heat exchangers, tubing, and fittings • Execute build, assembly, and integration of fluid hardware on the shop floor alongside technicians • Support proof, leak, functional, and environmental testing including pressure decay, helium leak, burst, and TVAC • Disposition nonconformances and drive root cause investigation and corrective action • Interface with power, thermal, GNC, and avionics teams to ensure clean subsystem integration • Lead design reviews with internal teams, suppliers, and customers Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline • Experience with fluid, pressurized, propulsion, or environmental control hardware in design, manufacturing, or test • Hands-on fabrication, assembly, integration, and/or testing experience • CAD proficiency (NX preferred) • Strong problem-solving, root cause analysis, and communication skills Preferred Skills & Experience: • Direct ownership of flight or high-reliability fluid hardware from design through test • Hands-on experience with AN/MS/VCR fittings, brazed and welded joints, valves, pumps, heat exchangers, and pressurized gas systems • Experience with EP propellant feed systems for Hall-effect or ion thruster applications • Knowledge of fluid fundamentals: pressure drop, flow, sealing, leak paths, and cleanliness control • Experience with oxygen-clean or precision-clean hardware and cleanliness verification • GD&T proficiency (ASME Y14.5) and tolerance stack-up analysis • Structural analysis experience: FEMAP, Nastran, or ANSYS • Familiarity with NX/Teamcenter and PLM or MES systems • Experience supporting first article builds in a fast-paced aerospace or commercial space environment Additional Requirements: • Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones 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. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 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. 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. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY 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.