Senior Build Reliability Engineer (Structures)

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station 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. 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 in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.

Headquartered in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

Vast is looking for a Build Reliability Engineer (Structures), reporting to the Director of Build & Supplier Reliability, to support the reliability of vehicle integration and test operations across the product lifecycle for our human-rated space stations.

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

Responsibilities

• Own Build Reliability for piece part fabrication and structural sub-assemblies, setting expectations for reliability, manufacturability, and build and flight readiness, and ensuring lessons are learned and applied to future programs.

• Enable successful introduction of new products to production, ensuring designs are manufacturable, requirements are valid and verifiable, measurement systems and processes are capable and efficient, and work instructions, equipment, tooling, and personnel are ready to achieve rate reliably.

• Mature manufacturing and verification processes by improving process controls, tooling, measurement methods, data collection, work instructions, and training.

• Collect and analyze build data to identify risk and recurring issues. Lead build quality reviews, generate data-driven recommendations to prevent issues and quality escapes, and effectively implement them in collaboration with partner teams.

• Ensure off-nominal work is performed and documented reliably. Provide leadership and technical direction for high-visibility issues, establishing recovery plans and aligning operations, quality, and engineering on execution. Partner with Mission Assurance to ensure risks are escalated and properly mitigated across Vast.

• Lead containment and root-cause investigation of high-impact issues. Ensure implementation and verification of corrective actions that address root cause and systemic contributors.

• Lead cost-of-quality reduction initiatives that simplify requirements, leverage part and feature criticality to streamline inspection, improve design standards, and strengthen process controls to prevent non-conformances at the source.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent experience

• 1+ years of experience in manufacturing, design, quality, reliability, or related roles (internship experience qualifies)

• Fluency in geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T)

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in fast-paced environments

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Direct experience working on any of the following products/processes:

• Machining and related post-processing manufacturing processes (deburring, coating, precision cleaning)

• Drilling, fastening, welding, and other assembly manufacturing processes

• Complex mechanical/structural assemblies

• Additive manufacturing

• Precision dimensional inspection methods such as coordinate measuring machines (CMM) and laser measuring systems

• Experience using data analysis tools or basic statistical methods to solve problems

• Demonstrated ability to learn new tools, processes, and technical concepts quickly

• Working knowledge of quality systems and standards (ISO 9001, AS9100, etc.)

• Detail-oriented mindset and a proactive approach to problem prevention

• Exposure to aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 5%

• Ability to support mission-critical events outside normal working hours

Pay Range:

• Build Reliability Engineer I: $86,000 - $122,000

• Build Reliability Engineer II: $122,000 - $159,000

• Senior Build Reliability Engineer: 137,000 - $195,000

Pay Range: California

$86,000—$195,000 USD

We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITSBase 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: 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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITYVast 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.