Vast develops commercial space stations to support sustained human activity, research, and manufacturing in low-Earth orbit and beyond.
<div class="content-intro"><p>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.</p></div><p>Vast is seeking an experienced and strategic <strong>Manager, Engineering</strong> to lead high-performing engineering organizations developing critical systems for next-generation human-rated space stations and spacecraft. This role will provide organizational, technical, and execution leadership. </p> <p>This is a <strong>full-time, exempt </strong>position located in <strong>Long Beach </strong>location. </p> <h4><strong>Responsibilities</strong></h4> <ul> <li>Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams across design, integration, test, and delivery of spacecraft hardware.</li> <li>Own execution across the full product lifecycle—from concept and requirements definition through manufacturing, verification, qualification, and operations.</li> <li>Align manufacturing, supply chain, quality, test, and program management on hardware delivery and integration.</li> <li>Set org priorities, staffing, roadmaps, and resource plans to meet program milestones.</li> <li>Drive technical decisions and risk management across performance, safety, and compliance.</li> <li>Lead design reviews, trades, root cause investigations, and corrective actions.</li> <li>Mentor engineers and managers; build a culture of accountability and technical excellence.</li> <li>Own recruiting, performance management, and succession planning.</li> <li>Manage supplier and partner relationships across development, manufacturing, and integration.</li> <li>Champion continuous improvement in engineering efficiency, quality, and velocity.</li> </ul> <h4><strong>Minimum Qualifications</strong></h4> <ul> <li>Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.</li> <li>6+ years of engineering experience in aerospace or other safety-critical industries.</li> <li>3+ years of technical leadership or engineering management experience.</li> <li>Track record leading teams through complex hardware or integrated system development across multiple lifecycle phases.</li> <li>Strong systems integration, development process, and first-principles engineering fundamentals.</li> <li>Experience leading trade studies, engineering reviews, and cross-functional efforts in manufacturing environments.</li> <li>Proven ability to lead teams in fast-paced, iterative development environments.</li> </ul> <h4><strong>Preferred Qualifications</strong></h4> <ul> <li>Experience managing teams developing spacecraft, flight hardware, or mission-critical systems.</li> <li>Proven success leading complex programs from concept through qualification, integration, and test.</li> <li>Experience building and scaling engineering organizations in high-growth environments.</li> <li>Deep knowledge of hardware verification, qualification testing, and aerospace certification practices.</li> <li>Proficiency with CAD and engineering analysis tools.</li> <li>Expertise in systems-level troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and failure investigation.</li> <li>Proficiency with GD&T, tolerance analysis, and engineering drawing review.</li> <li>Background in structural, thermal, propulsion, fluids, or integrated spacecraft systems.</li> <li>Strong communication, stakeholder management, and organizational skills.</li> <li>Passion for advancing the future of human spaceflight and space habitation</li> </ul> <p><strong>Pay Range</strong></p> <p>Manager, Engineering: $150,000 - $215,000</p><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="title">Pay Range: California</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$150,000</span><span class="divider">—</span><span>$215,000 USD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><p style="line-height: 1;"><strong>COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS<br></strong><br>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.</p> <p style="line-height: 1;"><strong><br>U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS<br><br></strong>The person h