Senior Propulsion Engineer: High-Performance Space Engines

Vast; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; Full time

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 Senior Propulsion Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager of E-2 Engineering, to create the world's highest performing engine for small launchers, while optimizing for production and low cost. In this role, you will join a team with exciting momentum that has produced and successfully tested fully integrated engine development samples. You will be a key member who will help complete the flight engine design and transition the system from development to production.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Hawthorne location.

Responsibilities

• Design: work with our team and Chief Engineer to advance the design of E-2. Create models and drawings of parts and assemblies. Perform calculations and analyses with team support.
• Manufacturing: work with our internal manufacturing team to create finished E-2 parts. Support parts through 3d-printing, machining, post processing, and inspection. Incorporate feedback to improve design for manufacturing.
• Assembly and test: support our integration team with propulsion component assembly build and testing
• Create schematics and document processes
• Participate in engine testing with our test team and support with troubleshooting as needed
• Communicate effectively with entire team to regularly provide updates on progress and issues
• Always follow proper safety procedures and wear personal protective equipment in the workplace

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience with mechanical design, development, fabrication, assembly, or test (internships included)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Ability to work as a teammate and independently to achieve ambitious goals
• Hands‑on engineering (Full‑stack: computer to wrench to broom)
• Communication (Written, visual, slides)
• CAD (NX preferred)
• Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• Problem‑solving
• Capable to grow positive, respectful, and professional relationships
• Willing to make mistakes, take responsibilities, work independently and be transparent about your work
• ANSYS
• MATLAB

Additional Requirements

• Able to lift 25 lbs unassisted
• Work in an outdoor environment exposed to extreme weather conditions
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones

Pay Range: California $130,000 – $190,000 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: 100% 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.