Hands-on Mechanical Engineer I, Thermal Control Systems

Vast Space Llc.; Long Beach, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

Vast Space Llc. in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Mechanical Engineer I, Thermal Control Systems to design, analyze, and validate thermal management for our artificial-gravity space station hardware.

You will own heat exchangers, cold plates, heaters, heat pipes, and related components from concept trades through production and orbit readiness. This on-site role requires collaboration with avionics, software, and mission operations teams to ensure manufacturability, reliability, and proper

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or similar field, completed or expected by June 2026.
• Ability to work full-time onsite in Long Beach, CA.
• Experience working with fluid systems or components.
• 1+ years of academic/internship hardware experience.

Responsibilities

• Own the design and development of thermal control system and components for our artificial-gravity space station.
• Iterate on manufacturing processes and development testing in a fast-paced environment.
• Own the project delivery timeline from early design through production, launch, and orbit insertion.
• Perform systems engineering tasks and fluid analyses.
• Lead design reviews internally and externally with suppliers and customers.
• Work with interdisciplinary stakeholders to ensure integration with avionics, software, and mission operations.
• Make sure that all designs are manufacturable and reliable.

Skills

Fluid systems

Hardware fabrication

Thermal control

On-site work

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical or Aerospace

Tools

NX

GD&T

FEMAP/ANSYS

Job description

Vast Space Llc. in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Mechanical Engineer I, Thermal Control Systems to design, analyze, and validate thermal management for our artificial-gravity space station hardware.

You will own heat exchangers, cold plates, heaters, heat pipes, and related components from concept trades through production and orbit readiness. This on-site role requires collaboration with avionics, software, and mission operations teams to ensure manufacturability, reliability, and proper