Propulsion Structures Engineer — Space Station Hardware

Vast Space Llc.; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 138,000 - 265,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid time off

401(k)

Job summary

Vast, headquartered in Long Beach, CA, is seeking a Propulsion Structures Engineer to support the design and analysis of human-rated propulsion hardware for next‑generation space stations. This exempt, full‑time role reports to the Senior Manager, Propulsion Flight Hardware, and requires collaboration with propulsion and structures teams to ensure safe, reliable interfaces and structures.

The position demands a bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics, 4+ years in CAD/FEA and mechanical

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, civil engineering, physics, or math or equivalent experience.
• 4+ years of experience with CAD and FEA software packages.
• 4+ years of experience designing and developing mechanical components or systems.

Responsibilities

• Serve as responsible engineer for propulsion mechanical hardware: tubing assemblies, brackets, mounts, and propulsion-owned secondary structure.
• Act as the primary interface between the Propulsion and Structures teams, coordinating loads, interfaces, and design requirements across both groups.
• Perform structural analysis to drive design decisions, covering static and dynamic loads, vibration, thermo-mechanical, and other environmental considerations.
• Perform mechanical design and analysis, develop manufacturing drawings, test plans, and concepts of operations, and follow hardware from design release through build and acceptance.
• Lead trade studies and own interfaces with adjacent subsystems.
• Work directly with fabricators and technicians to improve designs, mature processes, and resolve build issues.

Skills

CAD software

FEA software

Mechanical design

Propulsion knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical/aerospace/civil engineering or physics

Tools

NX/Teamcenter

ANSYS

Femap/Nastran

Abaqus

Job description

Vast, headquartered in Long Beach, CA, is seeking a Propulsion Structures Engineer to support the design and analysis of human-rated propulsion hardware for next‑generation space stations. This exempt, full‑time role reports to the Senior Manager, Propulsion Flight Hardware, and requires collaboration with propulsion and structures teams to ensure safe, reliable interfaces and structures.

The position demands a bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics, 4+ years in CAD/FEA and mechanical