Additive Manufacturing Engineer

Hawthorne, California, United States

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in August 2025. 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 an Additive Manufacturing Engineer, reporting to the Manager of Additive Manufacturing, 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 Hawthorne location.

Responsibilities:

  • Optimize and develop all aspects of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing.
  • Develop new additive applications, platforms, and material parameters to expand printing capabilities.
  • Collaborate with design, analysis, materials, and responsible engineers.
  • Work hands-on with additive platforms, including optimization, troubleshooting, and calibration, while coordinating with OEMs for improvements.
  • Investigate and develop new additive technologies to meet business needs and launch initiatives.
  • Produce and improve reports, procedures, and manuals to document results and refine development processes.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in materials science, welding, mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering discipline.
  • 2+ years of experience in propulsion design or the development of metallic additive technologies.
  • Strong knowledge of first principles and engineering fundamentals.
  • Deep expertise in metal additive manufacturing technology.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills for collaborating with engineering and manufacturing groups.
  • Highly self-motivated, with the ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Master’s degree in a related field.
  • 2+ years of LPBF experience with large-scale multi-laser additive platforms, including:
    • Operation and modification of additive machines
    • Parameter and applications development
    • Optics and laser systems
    • Process control improvements
  • Demonstrated technical experience in:
    • Printing aluminum, copper, and/or nickel based alloys
    • Design for additive manufacturing (DFAM)
    • Build file creation and optimization
    • Multifactorial design of experiments (DOE)
    • Aerospace flight qualification processes and specifications
  • Knowledge of various additive and subtractive manufacturing and joining techniques for metals.
  • Proficiency in principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, materials, and electrical circuits.

Additional Requirements:

  • Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.

Pay Ranges: 

  • Additive Manufacturing Engineer II: $105,000 - $130,000

Salary Range: California

$105,000 - $130,000 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: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 15 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, free catered meals and snacks and beverages, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.

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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