Senior Fluid Systems Engineer

Vast is seeking a Senior Fluids Systems Engineer reporting to the Manager, Fluid Systems Engineering to help develop the critical systems that make long-duration human spaceflight possible.

In this role, you will own the design, development, testing, and integration of fluid-based hardware and systems that support life support, thermal management, propulsion, pressurization, and other spacecraft functions. You will work across the entire hardware lifecycle—from concept development and trade studies through manufacturing, testing, launch, and on-orbit operations.

We are looking for engineers who thrive in hands-on environments, enjoy solving first-principles engineering problems, and want to build flight hardware that directly supports humanity’s future in space.

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

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, analyze, and test fluid and mechanical systems for human-rated spacecraft.
• Own hardware and subsystem development from early architecture through flight qualification and operation.
• Perform fluid, thermal, and systems analyses to inform design decisions and system performance.
• Conduct trade studies and make engineering recommendations using first principles and engineering fundamentals.
• Lead design reviews and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including structures, avionics, software, manufacturing, integration, test, quality, and mission operations.
• Develop and execute component, subsystem, and integrated system test campaigns.
• Support fabrication, assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and validation of flight hardware.
• Drive root-cause investigations, failure analysis, and corrective actions during development and test.
• Ensure designs are manufacturable, reliable, maintainable, and scalable for production.
• Partner with suppliers to develop and qualify hardware and manufacturing processes.
• Contribute to the development of systems supporting propulsion, thermal control, environmental control and life support, pressurization, and other spacecraft fluid systems.
• Bring technical excellence, urgency, and ownership to every stage of development.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of professional experience developing hardware, fluid systems, thermal systems, propulsion systems, environmental control systems, or other complex mechanical systems.
• Hands-on experience with fabrication, assembly, integration, testing, or troubleshooting of hardware.
• Experience working within cross-functional engineering teams to develop complex products.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with fluid systems, thermal systems, propulsion systems, environmental control systems, or other high-reliability engineering applications.
• Experience designing and developing hardware from concept through production.
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, or system integration.
• Experience performing failure analysis, root-cause investigations, and design-of-experiments.
• Proficiency with CAD tools such as Siemens NX.
• Knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, brazing, tube bending, assembly, and testing.
• Experience with high-pressure, hazardous, or safety-critical fluid systems.
• Familiarity with structural analysis tools and methods.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of hardware and deliver results in a fast-paced development environment.

Pay Range: 

• Senior Fluid Systems Engineer: $137,700 - $195,550