Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Metal Forming & Joining

Vast; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Vast, a leader in space exploration, seeks a Senior Welding Manufacturing Engineer to support systems development for artificial-gravity space stations. The role involves refining manufacturing processes, collaborating with engineers, and ensuring quality in a pioneering environment. Candidates should have a STEM degree and experience in manufacturing processes. Exceptional benefits include comprehensive health coverage and flexible paid time off.

Benefits

100% medical, dental, and vision coverage

Flexible paid time off

Paid parental leave

Short and long-term disability insurance

Life insurance

Access to a 401(k) retirement plan

Free meals and snacks on site

Mental healthcare services

Qualifications

• Experience addressing manufacturing non-conformances and implementing corrective actions.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T and DFM related to metal forming and joining processes.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for building and inspecting the assembly of the primary structure.
• Develop and refine manufacturing processes like welding, trimming, and more.
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians to solve large-scale production challenges.

Skills

GD&T

DFM

Metal forming

Joining processes

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Comparable STEM field

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.

Vast is looking for a Senior Welding Manufacturing Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager of Primary Structures Manufacturing, 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:

• Responsible for the build and inspection process for the assembly of the primary structure
• Develop and refine manufacturing processes, including: welding, trimming, shearing, rolling, bending, and more to meet all design and business requirements including safety, quality, efficiency and delivery
• Document and standardize welding and other processes and own the creation and modification of manufacturing planning
• Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve large-scale production challenges
• Work with design engineers to evaluate designs for manufacturability and implementation in a rapidly evolving production environment
• Resolve product non-conformances and collaborate with the quality team to implement root cause corrective actions
• Help manufacturing and engineering teams to identify, plan, and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to meet volume production demand
• Develop and refine floor layouts, capacity models, and product flow analysis to ensure on-time vehicle delivery to manifest

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Comparable STEM field
• Experience collaborating with stakeholders to address manufacturing non-conformances and implement corrective actions
• Strong knowledge of GD&T and DFM, especially related to metal forming and joining processes

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• One of the following:
  • Experience collaborating with stakeholders to implement new manufacturing processes, products, or tools, (especially a new metal forming/joining process), OR
  • Experience collaborating with stakeholders to revise and improve existing manufacturing processes, products, or tools,(especially a new metal forming/joining process
• One of the following:
  • Extensive manufacturing experience managing a product/product line across multiple workcenters and/or departments, OR
  • Extensive manufacturing experience managing multiple products/product lines within a single workcenter/department
• Experience with the build, assembly, or integration of large mechanical or structural assemblies
• Knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment related to welding, metal forming, fastening, drilling, bonding and automation
• Mechanical component and/or tooling design and analysis experience
• Experience transitioning complex products from R&D to production in a fast-paced environment
• Experience in a production environment within the aerospace industry

Additional Requirements:

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

Pay Range:

• Senior Manufacturing Engineer: $120,000 - $160,000
• Staff Manufacturing Engineer: $150,000 - $190,000

Salary Range: California $120,000 — $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, 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.