Systems Engineer

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 Systems Engineer, reporting to the Vice President of Flight Safety and Mission Assurance, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of the world's first human-rated commercial space stations

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

Responsibilities:

Technical Excellence: Lead the technical foundation of all design baselines through requirements definition, management, and traceability through major design reviews and verification campaigns

• Oversee the technical management of all products across multiple engineering disciplines, and drive product readiness and maturity through major milestones

• Establish and maintain product breakdown structures and engineering lifecycle documentation throughout the program

• Own the definition of verification & validation (V&V) plans to ensure high technical quality of inputs, outputs, and success criteria

• Review design implementations against requirements and drive resolution of non-compliances

Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead company-wide guidance and standard on systems engineering principles. Influence technical decision-making and configuration changes that are comprehensive and consistent across all engineering disciplines

• Excel in communication of engineering progress through major milestones to drive strategic planning for responsible engineers, engineering managers, and program leaders

• Collaborate with design and flight reliability teams on making informed decisions based on mission risks, hazards, and functional performance of systems

Process Ownership: Drive streamlining systems engineering processes that enables both rapid iteration and development, as well as methodical planning of design compliance and traceability to technical and programmatic requirements

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• Pioneer tools and systems that track key technical sources of truth across the program throughout all changes and milestones

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field

• 2+ years of experience in design ownership, systems integration, test engineering, of which at least 1+ years are systems engineering focused

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience in Responsible Engineering, Systems Engineering, or technical leadership roles on complex aerospace systems

• Comprehensive understanding of at least one core engineering discipline (Structures, Thermal, Avionics, Power, Flight Software, etc.)

• Hands-on experience with requirements and/or project management tools

• Experience leading design reviews (PDR, CDR) and verification campaigns

• Strong cross-disciplinary communication and technical leadership skills

• Strong systems-level intuition and the ability to create, own and drive systems engineering processes

• Background with spacecraft, aircraft, launch vehicles, or other mission- or safety-critical systems

• Familiarity with industry standards that drive space systems design and test

• Strong scripting and data analysis skills (Python, MATLAB, Excel) and familiarity with visualization tools (e.g., Tableau)

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones

Pay Range: California

$112,340—$159,468 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.