Manufacturing Engineer, Mechanical Subassemblies

Vast; City of Long Beach (NY); On-site; USD 86,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company equity

Medical, dental & vision coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

Vast in Long Beach is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer, Mechanical Subassemblies to lead the transition of space hardware from design to scalable production on the factory floor. You will analyze manufacturability, develop robust processes, and author detailed work instructions to ensure reliable builds of high‑quality space hardware.

The role emphasizes hands-on collaboration with design, quality, and supply chain teams to optimize cost, schedule, and performance while maintaining stringent

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil or similar engineering from ABET-accredited institution.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T and DFM.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes such as machining, drilling, assembly, bonding, etc.
• Hands-on mechanical aptitude for a production floor environment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with design teams to assess manufacturability of subassemblies.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes and onboard equipment for subassemblies, focusing on efficiency, quality, and cost.
• Create and maintain manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, and work instructions for consistent hardware production.
• Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges via root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with quality assurance to establish rigorous QC processes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement to reduce waste and enhance product quality.

Skills

GD&T

DFM

Machining

Drilling

Assembly

Bonding

Hands-on

Production floor

Quality focus

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil or similar engineering degree from an ABET accredited institution

Tools

Siemens NX

CAD software

Job description

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.

Vast is looking for a Manufacturing Engineer, Mechanical Subassemblies, reporting to the Manager, Mechanical Subassemblies, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial‑gravity human‑rated space stations.

This will be a full‑time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with design teams to provide input on the manufacturability of various types of subassemblies
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes and onboard equipment for manufacturing subassemblies, considering factors such as efficiency, quality, and cost‑effectiveness
• Create and maintain detailed manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, and work instructions to ensure consistent and accurate production of hardware
• Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges by conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to establish and maintain rigorous quality control processes
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall product quality

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil or similar engineering degree from an ABET accredited institution
• Strong knowledge of Geometric Dimensionsing & Tolerancing (GD&T) and Design for Manufacturability (DFM), especially related to components and subassemblies
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes such as machining, drilling, assembly, bonding, etc.
• Mechanical aptitude with desire to be hands‑on and work on a production floor

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience designing tooling, hardware, etc. using CAD software, Siemens NX preferred
• Experience working on flight hardware or safety‑critical systems
• Experience transitioning complex products from R&D to production in a fast‑paced environment
• Experience collaborating with stakeholders to address manufacturing non‑conformances and implement corrective actions
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high‑quality work
• Excellent communication skills
• Demonstrated project management experience

Additional Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted
• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones

Pay Range: California $86,000–$195,000 USD

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.

U.S. Export Control Compliance Status

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

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.