Fluid Systems Engineering

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