Vast
Propulsion Engineer - Mechanical Design
About this role
Vast seeks a Propulsion Engineer to design and develop mechanical hardware for next-generation commercial space stations, including tubing assemblies, brackets, and structural components. The role involves structural analysis, CAD/FEA modeling, cross-team coordination with Structures, and oversight from design through manufacturing and acceptance testing.
What you'll do
- Own propulsion mechanical hardware design including tubing, brackets, mounts, and secondary structures
- Serve as primary interface between Propulsion and Structures teams on loads, interfaces, and requirements
- Perform structural analysis addressing static/dynamic loads, vibration, thermo-mechanical, and environmental factors
- Develop manufacturing drawings, test plans, and operational concepts; track hardware from design through acceptance
- Lead trade studies and manage interfaces with adjacent subsystems
- Collaborate with fabricators and technicians to refine designs, mature manufacturing processes, and resolve build issues
What they're looking for
- CAD software (preferably NX/Teamcenter)
- FEA tools (Ansys, Femap/Nastran, or Abaqus)
- Structural analysis and mechanical design
- Propulsion systems knowledge
- GD&T per ASME Y14.5
- Spacecraft design standards (SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5001)
- Root cause and failure analysis
- Manufacturing process improvement
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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 propulsion mechanical component you designed—what were the key structural challenges and how did you validate your design?
- Describe your experience with FEA and how you've used it to drive design decisions on high-performance systems.