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 data-start="134" data-end="471">Vast is seeking a <strong data-start="152" data-end="192">Fluid Systems Manufacturing Engineer</strong> to join our team in Long Beach. Reporting to the <strong data-start="266" data-end="308">Manager of Fluid Systems Manufacturing</strong>, this role will play a key part in developing the systems required for the design and build of the world’s first artificial-gravity, human-rated space stations.</p> <p data-start="473" data-end="552">This is a <strong data-start="483" data-end="504">full-time, exempt</strong> position based in <strong data-start="523" data-end="549">Long Beach, California</strong>.</p> <ul> <li>Conceptualize, develop, and manufacture innovative tube-bending and welding cells to meet the demanding requirements of the Haven-1 program. Lead first-build and test efforts, including design integration, assembly sequencing, mBOM development, work order creation, and specification authoring.</li> <li>Create and maintain detailed manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, and work instructions to ensure consistent, accurate production of all tubing systems.</li> <li>Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges through root-cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions.</li> <li>Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to challenge assumptions, push boundaries, and drive efficient human-spaceflight production within aggressive timelines.</li> <li>Collaborate closely with design engineers, integration engineers, production teams, and external vendors to execute builds expediently and efficiently.</li> <li>Develop efficient, capability-driven tooling solutions that streamline production, increase system output, and reduce operational burden.</li> <li>Partner with quality assurance teams to establish and maintain rigorous quality control processes.</li> <li>Establish and maintain standard practices, troubleshooting guides, and standardized repair procedures; review and approve all related planning documents.</li> <li>Support day-to-day production of bent tubes, orbital tube welding (OTW), and manually welded tubing, ensuring optimal efficiency and adherence to quality standards.</li> <li>Evaluate and challenge existing production and design requirements for tubing assemblies, using data-driven insights to eliminate waste and optimize the manufacturing process.</li> <li>Continuously streamline and improve production systems by proactively identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall product quality.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Minimum Qualifications:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.</li> <li>Hands-on experience in two or more of the following: <ul> <li>tube bending</li> <li>orbital tube welding (OTW)</li> <li>TIG welding</li> <li>precision cleaning</li> <li>tooling design</li> <li>fluid systems design</li> <li>pressure testing</li> </ul> </li> <li>2+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, preferably within aerospace, oil & gas, or pharmaceutical industries.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Preferred Skills & Experience:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams. </li> <li>Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.</li> <li>Comfortable working in a rapidly changing, high-stress environment balancing several projects at any given time.</li> <li>Strong understanding of fluid systems.</li> <li>Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to perform root cause analysis. </li> <li>Hands-on experience with testing and troubleshooting fluids components and systems is desirable.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Additional Requirements:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Pay Range: </strong></p> <ul> <li>Manufacturing Engineer II: $100,000 - $129,000</li> <li>Senior Manufacturing Engineer: $137,000 - $190,000</li> <li>Staff Manufacturing Engineer: $160,000 - $230,000</li> </ul><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="title">Pay Range: California</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$100,000</span><span class="divider">—</span><span>$230,000 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 staf