Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Control Systems

Vast · Long Beach, California, United States · Engineering

Posted 2026-10-15

Apply for this role →

Vast is looking for Mechanical Engineer, Thermal Control Systems, to help develop the systems behind our human-rated space stations. You'll use your engineering knowledge and creativity to design, build, and test novel solutions at the cutting edge of space technology.

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

Responsibilities:

Own the design and development of thermal control systems and components for our artificial-gravity space station, such as heat exchangers, cold plates, heaters, and heat pipes, from initial design trades through a fully validated system.

Lead thermal and fluid analyses, and use the results to drive design decisions and define margins.

Perform systems engineering for your hardware, including requirements, interfaces, and verification by test, analysis, inspection, or demonstration.

Lead development and qualification testing, and iterate on designs and manufacturing processes in a fast-paced environment.

Own the delivery timeline for your hardware from early design through production, launch, and orbit insertion.

Lead internal design reviews and technical reviews with suppliers and customers.

Partner with avionics, software, and mission operations teams to make sure your system integrates across the station.

Make sure designs are manufacturable and reliable, working with fabricators, technicians, and suppliers to resolve issues.

Minimum Qualifications:

B.S. in mechanical, aerospace, or civil engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field.

2+ years of experience designing and developing mechanical components or systems.

2-4+ years of experience for Mechanical Engineer II

4-6+ years of experience for Senior Mechanical Engineer

Proficiency with 3D CAD and FEA software packages.

Experience implementing and analyzing GD&T per ASME Y14.5.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Design of structures and components for a high-performance vehicle or spacecraft.

Experience with design work in recent versions of NX and Teamcenter.

Experience with thermal and structural analysis using Ansys, Femap/Nastran, Abaqus, or similar tools.

Experience implementing and analyzing GD&T per ASME Y14.5.

Proactive problem-solving skills, including failure analysis and root cause investigation.

Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Familiarity with spacecraft specifications and environmental test standards such as SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5001, and MIL-STD-810.

Additional Requirements:

Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.

Pay Ranges:

Mechanical Engineer/ Level I: $86,100.00 - $122,220.00

Mechanical Engineer/ Level II: $112,340.00 - $159,468.00

Senior Mechanical Engineer/ Level III: $137,760.00 - $195,552.00

Apply for this role →

← Back to all jobs