Tooling Engineer I

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 Tooling Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager of Tooling, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities:

• Own the design, activation, and implementation, and support fabrication, of fixtures and tooling required for Haven-1 assembly, lifting, and handling.

• Work with Integration and Manufacturing to define vehicle integration flow, manufacturing process, concepts and tooling interfaces.

• Collaborate with vehicle engineering and production to define fixture and tooling specifications, qualification plans, and introduce to production.

• Perform mechanical analysis for spacecraft fixtures.

• Develop operation and maintenance plans for all test fixtures and tooling. Assist the facilities manager(s) in all aspects of project implementation as needed

• Manage schedule on assigned projects including critical next steps, deadlines, and outcome.

• Manage vendor relationships and coordinate meetings to identify new technologies and how they can be applied to Vast’s cutting edge applications.

• Develop, test, and implement tool improvements to yield time savings or tolerance improvements.

• Coordinate tooling modifications related to part, production, or other changes.

• Work closely with engineering stakeholders and technicians to solve production-related issues.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, or other engineering discipline

• Experience with GD&T

• 1+ years of experience in aerospace/mechanical/automotive design and/or tooling. (University capstone/competitive projects and prior internship experience may apply)

• 1+ years of experience in NX or other 3D CAD packages

• Hands-on experience with handling, lifting, or building engineered assemblies

• Experience making and running FEA models on structural components

• Knowledge of project planning and execution practices, including logic-linked schedule management

• Strong communication skills.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience with work orders and assembly instructions.

• Design of pneumatic, electrical, or hydraulic motion systems.

• Critical lifting and break overs fixtures.

• Integration tooling design

• A passion for hardware development, including working in a fast-paced environment and hands-on design and development.

Additional Requirements:

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

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted

Pay Range: California

$86,000—$122,000 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.