Fluid Systems Engineering

Responsibilities

• Own design, development, and delivery of fluid system hardware from concept through flight across ECLSS, TCS, or propulsion programs
• Perform fluid analyses, trade studies, and systems engineering tasks using first principles to drive clear design decisions
• Design and develop pressurized hardware including tanks, valves, regulators, pumps, heat exchangers, tubing, and fittings
• Execute build, assembly, and integration of fluid hardware on the shop floor alongside technicians
• Support proof, leak, functional, and environmental testing including pressure decay, helium leak, burst, and TVAC
• Disposition nonconformances and drive root cause investigation and corrective action
• Interface with power, thermal, GNC, and avionics teams to ensure clean subsystem integration
• Lead design reviews with internal teams, suppliers, and customers

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline
• Experience with fluid, pressurized, propulsion, or environmental control hardware in design, manufacturing, or test
• Hands-on fabrication, assembly, integration, and/or testing experience
• CAD proficiency (NX preferred)
• Strong problem-solving, root cause analysis, and communication skills

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Direct ownership of flight or high-reliability fluid hardware from design through test
• Hands-on experience with AN/MS/VCR fittings, brazed and welded joints, valves, pumps, heat exchangers, and pressurized gas systems
• Experience with EP propellant feed systems for Hall-effect or ion thruster applications
• Knowledge of fluid fundamentals: pressure drop, flow, sealing, leak paths, and cleanliness control
• Experience with oxygen-clean or precision-clean hardware and cleanliness verification
• GD&T proficiency (ASME Y14.5) and tolerance stack-up analysis
• Structural analysis experience: FEMAP, Nastran, or ANSYS
• Familiarity with NX/Teamcenter and PLM or MES systems
• Experience supporting first article builds in a fast-paced aerospace or commercial space environment

Additional Requirements

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

Additional information

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 Benefits

Base 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.

U.s. Export Control Compliance Status

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.