Vast
Mechanisms Engineer
Long Beach, California, United StatesFrom $230kfull-timemidAdded today
About this role
Vast seeks a Mechanisms Engineer to design, build, and test spacecraft mechanisms for next-generation commercial space stations and satellites. You'll own critical hardware from concept through flight, working in a fast-paced environment that values rapid iteration and collaborative problem-solving.
What you'll do
- Design and develop space mechanisms including motorized assemblies, linkages, spring/damper systems, and crew-operated hardware from ideation through flight qualification
- Conduct mechanical analysis, testing, and iteration cycles to validate mechanism performance and reliability
- Own accountability for critical spacecraft hardware and systems throughout their lifecycle
- Collaborate with production teams to ensure designs translate successfully into flight-ready spacecraft
- Interface with technicians, engineers, and cross-functional teams throughout development and manufacturing
- Perform trade studies and engineering analyses to inform design decisions with incomplete information
What they're looking for
- Mechanism design and mechanical systems (motorized assemblies, linkages, springs, dampers)
- CAD software (NX/Teamcenter, PTC Creo, or CATIA) with proficiency in GD&T per ASME Y14.5
- Finite element analysis (FEMAP, ANSYS) and understanding of fatigue and fracture mechanics
- Aerospace materials knowledge (metals, plastics, composites) and metallic manufacturing processes
- Test methods, experimental setups, and data acquisition systems
- Spacecraft and launch vehicle mechanisms experience
- First-principles engineering and trade study analysis
- Rapid prototyping and iterative design in high-pressure environments
Opens the application — the Jobs AI extension fills it for you. Set up autofill
Opens the official application on the employer’s site. No login required.
Vast
Vast develops Haven-1, a human-rated space station, and is hiring design reliability engineers across thermal, structures, propulsion, and avionics systems to ensure safe operations, as well as construction project engineers to support the station's development and construction.
- Website
- vast.com
Likely interview questions
- Walk us through a mechanism you designed from concept to flight—what were the key design challenges and how did you validate it?
- Describe your experience with CAD and FEA tools. How have you used finite element analysis to inform design decisions for mechanical components?