Materials & Processes Engineer

Vast; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Vast as a Materials and Processes Engineer to support the development of artificial-gravity space stations. You'll leverage your expertise in materials engineering to ensure safe crewed missions, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and mentoring junior staff. This full-time position offers competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including medical coverage and generous paid time off.

Benefits

100% medical, dental, and vision coverage

Flexible paid time off

Paid parental leave

401(k) retirement plan

ClassPass credits

Free snacks and meals

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience working with nonmetallic materials.
• Knowledge of flammability risk of materials in aerospace.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance on nonmetallic usage for space stations.
• Perform materials selection and qualification for spaceflight hardware.
• Mentor and grow others including engineers and technicians.

Skills

Materials Engineering

Materials Science

Chemistry

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Engineering

Master of Science degree in Materials Engineering

Tools

Aerospace applications

Job description

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in May 2026. 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.

Materials and Processes Engineer

Vast is looking for a(n) Materials and Processes Engineer, reporting to the Manager of Materials and Processes, 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. Use this space to describe the role and sell the candidate on the cool stuff they would get to work on.

Responsibilities:

• Provide guidance and expertise on nonmetallic usage and processing for an artificial-gravity space station
• Perform materials selection and qualification of custom and off-the-shelf spaceflight hardware, including flammability, toxicity, vacuum outgassing, chemical compatibility, and corrosion prevention
• Define testing and certification requirements for soft goods, textiles, additively manufactured polymers, and adhesives
• Provide expertise and review of project documentation and drawings to ensure materials requirements are incorporated
• Write M&P documentation as needed, including material and process specifications, test plans, and test reports
• Mentor and grow others including engineers and technicians
• Work with interdisciplinary stakeholders such as Human Systems, industrial designers, and life support system engineers to ensure all materials and processes can support a safe crewed mission

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience working with nonmetallic materials

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Master of Science degree in Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or related technical discipline
• Demonstrable knowledge in materials and manufacturing review and selection, development, and qualification for aerospace applications
• Experience with nonmetallic materials specifications, properties, and testing
• Experience with offgassing of polymers and other nonmetallic materials
• Knowledge of flammability risk of materials in aerospace or crewed vehicles
• Knowledge of textiles, guiding processes and/or products from concept to production
• Knowledge of electronic components or materials
• Capable of interfacing with and conveying concepts within all levels of our organization
• Capable of working independently, multi-tasking, and balancing priorities while working on multiple projects concurrently
• Strong academic foundation coupled with hands-on experience
• Strong interpersonal skills and team work/collaboration spirit

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time
• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted

Pay Range:

• Materials and Processes Engineer II, $110,080 - $142,100
• Senior Materials and Processes Engineer, $135,800 - $176,400

Salary Range: California $110,080 — $142,100 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: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, 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, 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.