Staff Thermal Engineer

Vast; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in space exploration is seeking a Staff Thermal Engineer to support the development of artificial-gravity space stations. The role involves thermal analysis, collaboration across disciplines, and mentoring junior engineers. This full-time position is based in Long Beach, California, and offers competitive compensation and benefits.

Benefits

100% medical, dental, and vision coverage

Flexible paid time off

Paid parental leave

401(k) retirement plan

One Medical membership

ClassPass credits

Personalized mental healthcare

Free snacks and meals

Qualifications

• 10+ years of related professional work experience or 7+ years with a Master's degree.
• Experience with Thermal Vacuum Chamber (TVAC) tests.

Responsibilities

• Perform thermal analysis to develop and optimize thermal control designs.
• Coordinate with other engineering disciplines.
• Document thermal analyses and designs.

Skills

Thermal Engineering

Technical Principles

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree in related engineering discipline

Tools

Thermal Desktop

NX

CATIA

CREO

SINDA/G

SINDA/FLUINT

TSS

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 Staff Thermal Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager, Thermal, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

In this position, you will work independently and within a team environment, collaborating on tasks performed across a spectrum of disciplines, which will require excellent writing and oral presentation skills. The position will require a complete understanding and wide application of technical principles, theories, and concepts in the field of thermal engineering and experience developing active and passive thermal control systems.

This will be a full-time,exemptposition located in ourLong Beach location.

Responsibilities:

• Perform thermal analysis to develop and optimize thermal control designs and provide solutions to a wide range of difficult problems
• Coordinate with other engineering disciplines
• Document thermal analyses and designs
• Review and approve drawings for thermal design hardware content
• Report results of analyses and design specifics to internal management and external customers
• Work with test engineering to plan and execute subsystem level thermal tests, as well as perform associated analyses
• Provide feedback regarding impacts of possible cost and/ or schedule changes
• Work and execute independently with minimal technical oversight and general direction
• Mentor junior engineers and provide guidance on best practice

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related Engineering discipline with a minimum of 10+ years of related professional work experience, or a Master's degree in a related engineering discipline and 7+ years of experience
• Knowledge and understanding of the application of technical principles, theories, and concepts for developing active and passive thermal control systems
• Experience with planning, executing and supporting Thermal Vacuum Chamber (TVAC) tests
• Experience using Thermal Desktop analysis tool
• Experience correlating thermal models to test and/or flight data

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• 12-15+ years of related professional work experience
• Design, analysis and integration experience of spacecraft thermal systems
• Experience using aerospace standard design tools (NX, CATIA, CREO)
• Experience using thermal analysis tools (SINDA/G, SINDA/FLUINT, TSS)
• Experience with space vehicle thermal design and/or integration
• Spacecraft and/or Payload background with experience through the entire system lifecycle from concept, design, production, integration, test, launch, to operation support
• Experience working on thermal design and troubleshooting efforts
• Ability to develop novel concepts for active and passive thermal control systems for space habitats
• Detail-oriented and have excellent verbal and written communications skills, leadership skills, and organization skills

Pay Range:

Staff Thermal Engineer: $160,000- $200,000

Salary Range: California

$160,000 - $200,000 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

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.

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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.

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