Senior Mechanical Engineer, Structures

@ Vast

Position Overview

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 and our initial crewed space habitat, Haven-1, is scheduled to launch in May 2026. Join the most talented people on Earth advancing space exploration for humanity.

Role Details

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, Structures, you will report to the Manager, Structures Design and support the development of systems required to design and build artificial-gravity, human-rated space stations. The Structures and Dynamics team handles components from the primary pressure hull to MMOD shielding, engineered soft goods, and more, including design loads and factors.

Responsibilities

• Own design of primary and secondary structures for a large scale space station.
• Develop understanding of static/dynamic loads, vibrations, thermal, and environmental impacts.
• Perform mechanical design and analysis, create manufacturing drawings, test plans, and concepts of operations.
• Lead trade studies and manage subsystem interfaces.
• Collaborate with fabricators and technicians to improve designs and resolve issues.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in mechanical, aerospace or civil engineering, physics, or math.
• 4+ years’ experience with CAD and FEA software.
• 4+ years’ experience designing and developing mechanical components or systems.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience designing structures for high-performance vehicles or spacecraft.
• Proactive problem-solving with failure analysis and root cause investigation.
• Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
• Expertise with NX/Teamcenter and analysis tools like Ansys, Femap/Nastran, Abaqus.
• Knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and spacecraft specifications like SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5001.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary based on industry experience and qualifications. Benefits include full medical, dental, and vision coverage, flexible time off, equity, retirement plan, and more, along with exceptional food and wellness perks.

Export Control & Equal Opportunity

The role requires U.S. export control compliance. Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer, offering a merit-based work environment.

Key skills/competency

• Mechanical Engineering
• Structures Design
• CAD
• FEA
• Spacecraft Systems
• Analysis
• NX
• Ansys
• Teamcenter
• GD&T