The posting
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station 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. 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 in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.
Headquartered in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.
Vast is looking for a Staff NX Designer, reporting to the Vice President, Fluid Systems, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.
As the most senior design authority within Fluid Systems, this role sets the CAD and drafting standard for the organization, owns the hardest geometry and largest assemblies, and mentors designers and engineers across Propulsion, Thermal and Life Support Systems.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities:
- Own design and drawings for thermal and life support hardware from conceptual phase through product release and manufacture
- Own the BOM, mass tracking, and hardware release for assigned subsystems
- Define and manage interfaces between vehicle subsystems and lead design trades from the CAD side
- Execute complex geometrical modeling for additively manufactured hardware
- Drive detailed design and drawing release for ECLSS subassemblies, tubing runs, component assemblies, MLI (multi-layer insulation), and soft goods
- Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for engineering design, drafting, and modeling standards using NX and Teamcenter — establishing and enforcing best practices, templates, and configuration management discipline across Fluid Systems
- Mentor and develop designers and engineers, and train the broader team to self-serve on routine CAD tasks
- Partner directly with manufacturing, technicians, and suppliers to ensure designs are producible, inspectable, and released on schedule
Minimum Qualifications:
- 8+ years of relevant CAD/Design experience
- Experience working in aerospace design
- Expert-level experience designing and managing large CAD assemblies and associated drawings
- Demonstrated development and configuration management experience on technically complex hardware products
- Knowledge of mechanical engineering design and manufacturing
- Experience with ASME Y14.100, Y14.5, Y14.41
- Experience with Siemens NX and Teamcenter
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Experience with tube routing
- Experience with complex/organic geometry for additively manufactured parts including propulsion components
- Experience with metallics, plastics, and soft goods such as MLI and foam assemblies
- High level of expertise in GD&T
- Experience establishing CAD/drafting standards and mentoring designers on a growing team
- Self-motivated with strong multi-tasking, organizational, communication, and documentation skills
- Ability to work well in an integrated team including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment balancing several projects at any given time, and the flexibility to adjust for abrupt changes in strategic direction
Pay Range: California
$137,760—$230,472 USD
We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
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.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
