Turbomachinery Engineer II Hawthorne, California, United States

Vast Space LLC; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% medical, dental, and vision coverage

Flexible paid time off

Paid parental leave

401(k) retirement plan

ClassPass credits

Free snacks and meals

Job summary

A leading aerospace technology company in Hawthorne is seeking a Turbomachinery Engineer II to support the development of systems for artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This full-time role involves collaboration on the design and manufacturing of propulsion systems, ensuring high performance and cost efficiency. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in engineering and at least 3 years of related experience. The position offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical coverage, paid time off, and various other perks.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience with mechanical design, development, fabrication, assembly, or test.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members.
• Willingness to work evenings or weekends for mission milestones.

Responsibilities

• Responsible Engineer for Liquid Oxygen Turbopump.
• Work with team to advance E-2 design.
• Support manufacturing of E-2 parts.
• Assist in propulsion component assembly tests.
• Document processes and create schematics.

Skills

Mechanical design

Problem-solving

Hands-on engineering

CAD

Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

ANSYS

MATLAB

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 2026. It is part of our stepping‑stone approach to continuous human presence in LEO. 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 Turbomachinery Engineer II, reporting to the Senior Manager of E‑2 Engineering, to support the development of the systems required for the design and build of artificial‑gravity human‑rated space stations.

You will contribute expertise toward creating 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 is a full‑time, exempt position located in our Hawthorne location.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible Engineer for Liquid Oxygen Turbopump.
• 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.
• 3+ years of experience with mechanical design, development, fabrication, assembly, or test (internships included).

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Ability to work as a teammate and independently to achieve ambitious goals.
• Hands‑on engineering (full‑stack: computer to wrench to broom).
• 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:

• Work in an outdoor environment exposed to extreme weather conditions.
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.

Compensation and Benefits:

Pay Range: California

$110,000 – $140,000 USD

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 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), as well as 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.