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 looking for a <strong>Senior Studio Engineer</strong>, reporting to the<strong> Manager of Industrial</strong> Design, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space.</p> <p>As a Studio Engineer on the Industrial Design team, you will have a unique opportunity to build out the environment that humans in our space station will regularly interact with: displays and controls, cabins, lighting, mobility aids, and more. You will partner with cross-functional teams like structures, avionics, ECLSS, integration, and manufacturing to ensure high-quality human habitation systems are designed and built.</p> <p>This will be a <strong>full-time</strong>, <strong>exempt</strong> position located in our <strong>Long Beach</strong> location. </p> <p><strong>Responsibilities: </strong></p> <ul> <li>Translate industrial design concepts into feasible, manufacturable CAD models using NX and related tools.</li> <li>Partner closely with industrial designers, mechanical engineers, manufacturing engineers, and program managers to align design intent with engineering feasibility and timelines.</li> <li>Create and iterate designs: CAD, physical mockups, build fabrication, and testing.</li> <li>Research and propose appropriate materials, finishes, and manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, composite layup, metal forming, additive manufacturing).</li> <li>Create and evaluate physical prototypes, mockups, and proof-of-concept models to validate design and engineering solutions.</li> <li>Work with external vendors and prototype suppliers to ensure accurate execution of design intent and adherence to specifications.</li> <li>Participate in design reviews and validation testing to ensure parts meet performance and reliability targets.</li> <li>Track and align studio engineering deliverables with program schedules, key design gates, and development milestones.</li> <li>Support rapid iteration cycles between design and engineering to resolve feasibility, packaging, and functional challenges.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Minimum Qualifications:</strong></p> <ul> <li> Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline.</li> <li>5+ years’ experience with CAD packages such as NX </li> <li>5+ years’ experience collaborating with design professions</li> <li>Excellent communication skills; ability to synthesize inputs across teams (industrial design, human factors, structural, safety, manufacturing).</li> <li>Comfort working in ambiguity; ability to move fast, take ownership, and deliver under tight schedule constraints.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Preferred Skills & Experience:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Background in aerospace, automotive or consumer product environments.</li> <li>Proficiency in Siemens NX for 3D modeling and surfacing.</li> <li>Experience translating and managing data across multiple CAD platforms (e.g., NX, Rhino and SolidWorks).</li> <li>Demonstrated ability to work closely with Industrial Design teams to balance aesthetic intent with engineering feasibility.</li> <li>Hands-on experience with physical prototyping, mockups, and model validation.</li> <li>Strong understanding of material properties, finishes, and behaviors—including metals, plastics, and composites.</li> <li>Familiarity with mechanical design principles, structural testing, and design validation methods.</li> <li>Knowledge of standard forming and fabrication processes, such as injection molding, sheet metal forming, casting, machining, and additive manufacturing.</li> <li>Ability to optimize components for manufacturability, cost, and mass efficiency.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Additional Requirements:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Ability to travel up to 20% of the time</li> <li>Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones</li> <li>Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted</li> <li>Specific certifications, as appropriate<strong><br></strong></li> </ul><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="title">Pay Range: California</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$129,000</span><span class="divider">—</span><span>$185,000 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 lea