Propulsion Engineer

Long Beach, California, United States

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations 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. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. 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, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.

Vast is looking for a Propulsion Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager, Haven-1 propulsion, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

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

Responsibilities: 

  • Collaborate closely with propulsion and systems design teams to provide manufacturing and assembly input for component hardware such as valves, regulators, tubing, ducting, manifolds, COPVs, fittings, and instrumentation used in propulsion and pressurization systems.
  • Develop, qualify, and optimize manufacturing processes and production equipment for propulsion components, with a focus on repeatability, quality, cost, and flight reliability.
  • Create and maintain detailed manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, travelers, and work instructions to support production of propulsion hardware across development, qualification, and flight builds.
  • Support propulsion systems including propellant feed, pressurization, venting, purge, and safety-critical fluid systems.
  • Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges through hands-on troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
  • Work directly with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality propulsion components, including review and approval of supplier manufacturing processes and documentation.
  • Perform hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of propulsion components and sub-assemblies, ensuring compliance with engineering requirements and applicable aerospace standards.
  • Participate in design and manufacturing readiness reviews, providing actionable feedback to improve manufacturability, reliability, and scalability of propulsion hardware.
  • Partner with quality engineering to define inspection methods, acceptance criteria, and process controls for safety-critical fluid components.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cycle time, improve yield, and increase robustness of propulsion manufacturing processes.
  • Stay current with propulsion manufacturing techniques, materials, joining methods, and industry best practices to inform design and production decisions.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace, propulsion, or high-reliability fluid systems.
  • Experience with CAD tools (e.g., Siemens NX) and the ability to review designs, generate manufacturing documentation, and design assembly or test tooling.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Strong cross-functional communication skills and the ability to work effectively with propulsion, systems, test, and quality teams
  • High attention to detail and a strong ownership mindset for safety-critical hardware.
  • Strong GD&T knowledge and experience creating and reviewing engineering drawings.
  • Strong understanding of propulsion fluid systems, including tube fabrication, welding/brazing, cleaning, and assembly processes.
  • Experience with manufacturing and assembly of high-pressure or hazardous fluid systems.
  • Proven problem-solving skills with hands-on root cause analysis experience.
  • Hands-on experience testing, troubleshooting, and qualifying propulsion or fluid components is highly desirable.

Additional Requirements:

  • Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends as needed to support critical propulsion testing and mission milestones.

 

Pay Range: 

  • Propulsion Engineer II: $112,340 - $159,468
  • Senior Propulsion Engineer: $137,760 - $195,552

 

Pay Range: California

$137,760 - $195,552 USD

 
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.

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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 be considered for deemed export licensing. To assist Vast in assessing its export compliance obligations in relation to your application, please identify which ITAR/EAR status applies to you:

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