Mechanisms Engineer

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanisms from ideation to flight: design, analyze, build, test, and iteration. Some mechanisms include motorized assemblies, linkages, spring/damper systems, rotating hardware, and crew-operated assemblies
• Own critical spacecraft hardware/systems, assuming profound responsibility for their hardware
• Interface with a world-class production team to ensure successful translation of designs into spacecraft

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or similar engineering
• 2+ years of experience in the design, build, and/or test of mechanisms, structures, valves, or other mechanical systems

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Thriving in a team that emphasizes rapid prototyping, quick iteration, and a general bias towards action
• Strong understanding of spacecraft and/or launch vehicle mechanisms and mechanical assemblies
• Experience in NX/Teamcenter or other CAD packages (PTC Creo, CATIA) with a solid understanding and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5
• Professional or project experience with FEMAP, ANSYS, or similar finite element analysis (FEA) software tools, as well as a good understanding of fatigue, fracture, and crack propagation
• Knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques, processes, equipment, and other processes such as machining, welding, riveting, bending, assembling, etc
• Good understanding and experience working with aerospace materials (metals, plastics, composites)
• Solid understanding of test methods/setups and data acquisition systems
• Ability to perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals to make clear recommendations even with partial information
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
• Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, other engineers, managers, and support teams
• Highly self-motivated with strong organizational and written/oral communication skills - able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with the ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work

Additional Requirements

• Up to 10% travel to remote sites and vendors as needed

Pay Range

California $112,340 - $230,000 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 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.