Build Reliability Engineer - Fluid Systems

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 (Fluid Systems), reporting to the Staff Build Reliability Engineer, to support the reliability of flight hardware across the product lifecycle for our human-rated space stations. In this role, you will support machining, additive, and structural sub-assembly work centers, operating at the intersection of design, manufacturing, integration, and testing to ensure that our space systems meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance. This will be a full-time, exempt position at our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities

• Own Build Reliability for fluid system component and sub-assembly build and test work centers, 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

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

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience working in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments

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

• Fluid handling / control systems (tubes, valves, sensors)

• Complex mechanical/structural assemblies

• Precision cleaning and verification

• Welding (in particular orbital tube welding)

• Functional testing, pressure testing, environmental testing

• Proven track record of taking ownership in projects, performing root-cause analysis and corrective actions, and influencing suppliers to drive results

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

• Ability to thrive in a fast paced environment and collaborate effectively across a matrix of functions across the organization

• Detail-oriented mindset, great organizational and project-management skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of interfacing with and conveying concepts to all levels of Vast

• Experience in statistical controls and methods (e.g. MSA, DOE, hypothesis testing, etc.)

• Disciplined problem-solving approach (Six Sigma, 8D, etc.)

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

• Advanced degree in an engineering discipline

Additional Requirements

•

• Ability to travel up to 5%

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

Pay Range: California

$112,340—$195,552 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.