Manager, Thermal Control Systems

Vast is seeking a Manager, Thermal Control Systems reporting to the Director, Thermal Environmental and Life Support Systems to lead the development of the thermal and fluid systems that enable artificial gravity and long-term human habitation in space. In this role, you will guide a small team of mechanical engineers while also contributing directly to system architecture, design, and test. You will shape mission-critical hardware that must operate flawlessly in orbit and play a key role in advancing human-rated spaceflight.

This full-time, exempt role is based in Long Beach, CA.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers responsible for thermal and fluid system hardware.

Set technical direction, prioritize development efforts, and foster a culture of ownership and continuous improvement.

Provide guidance on design decisions, analyses, and test plans, ensuring high-quality engineering outputs.

Manage workloads, support professional development, and ensure on-time execution of deliverables.

Technical Ownership

Own the architecture and performance of thermal control system hardware, including tubing, trays, and fluid loops.

Lead hardware through its full lifecycle—from design trades through manufacturing, qualification, launch prep, and on-orbit operation.

Drive rapid prototyping and iterative testing to mature designs in a fast-paced environment.

Oversee systems engineering tasks, including analyses, requirements, and cross-team integration (i.e. Avionics, Software, Mission Operations, etc.)

Lead internal and external design reviews and ensure hardware meets human-rated reliability and safety requirements.

Ensure manufacturable, production-ready designs and collaborate closely with technicians, manufacturing engineers, and integration teams.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline

Experience working with fluid systems

5+ years of hands-on hardware experience (fabrication, assembly, and/or testing)

1+ year leading or mentoring engineers

Preferred Skills & Experience

Leadership experience in a fast-paced hardware development environment

Ownership of mechanical or fluid systems across multiple development phases

Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills

First-principles engineering and ability to guide team-level trade studies

Experience with rotating machinery

Proficiency in NX, GD&T, and tolerance analysis

Structural analysis experience (hand calcs, FEMAP, ANSYS)

Familiarity with machining, welding, brazing, and tube bending

Excellent communication and leadership skills in a mission-driven environment

Additional Requirements

Ability to travel up to 5%

Willingness to support occasional evening or weekend work during critical mission phases

Pay Range:

Manager, Thermal Control Systems: $154980 - $219996

Pay Range: California

$154,980—$219,996 USD