Senior Build Reliability Engineer (Structures)

Vast is looking for a Build Reliability Engineer (Structures), reporting to the Director of Build & Supplier Reliability, to support the reliability of vehicle integration and test operations across the product lifecycle for our human-rated space stations.

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

Responsibilities

Own Build Reliability for piece part fabrication and structural sub-assemblies, setting expectations for reliability, manufacturability, and build and flight readiness, and ensuring lessons are learned and applied to future programs.

Enable successful introduction of new products to production, ensuring designs are manufacturable, requirements are valid and verifiable, measurement systems and processes are capable and efficient, and work instructions, equipment, tooling, and personnel are ready to achieve rate reliably.

Mature manufacturing and verification processes by improving process controls, tooling, measurement methods, data collection, work instructions, and training.

Collect and analyze build data to identify risk and recurring issues. Lead build quality reviews, generate data-driven recommendations to prevent issues and quality escapes, and effectively implement them in collaboration with partner teams.

Ensure off-nominal work is performed and documented reliably. Provide leadership and technical direction for high-visibility issues, establishing recovery plans and aligning operations, quality, and engineering on execution. Partner with Mission Assurance to ensure risks are escalated and properly mitigated across Vast.

Lead containment and root-cause investigation of high-impact issues. Ensure implementation and verification of corrective actions that address root cause and systemic contributors.

Lead cost-of-quality reduction initiatives that simplify requirements, leverage part and feature criticality to streamline inspection, improve design standards, and strengthen process controls to prevent non-conformances at the source.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent experience

1+ years of experience in manufacturing, design, quality, reliability, or related roles (internship experience qualifies)

Fluency in geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T)

Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in fast-paced environments

Preferred Skills & Experience

Direct experience working on any of the following products/processes:

Machining and related post-processing manufacturing processes (deburring, coating, precision cleaning)

Drilling, fastening, welding, and other assembly manufacturing processes

Complex mechanical/structural assemblies

Additive manufacturing

Precision dimensional inspection methods such as coordinate measuring machines (CMM) and laser measuring systems

Experience using data analysis tools or basic statistical methods to solve problems

Demonstrated ability to learn new tools, processes, and technical concepts quickly

Working knowledge of quality systems and standards (ISO 9001, AS9100, etc.)

Detail-oriented mindset and a proactive approach to problem prevention

Exposure to aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments

Additional Requirements

Ability to travel up to 5%

Ability to support mission-critical events outside normal working hours

Pay Range:

Build Reliability Engineer I: $86,000 - $122,000

Build Reliability Engineer II: $122,000 - $159,000

Pay Range: California

$86,000—$159,000 USD