People Leader, Fluid Systems Engineering

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations 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. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. 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, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.

Vast is seeking a People Leader, Fluid Systems Engineering to lead the development of critical spacecraft systems that enable human life and operations in space.

This leader will be responsible for building and leading a multidisciplinary engineering team focused on fluid-based systems across the spacecraft, including thermal control, environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS), propulsion, pressurization, and other mission-critical fluid infrastructure.

You will partner closely with systems engineering, manufacturing, integration, test, mission operations, and program leadership to deliver reliable, flight-ready hardware on aggressive development timelines. This role requires a strong technical foundation, hands-on engineering leadership, and a relentless focus on execution.

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

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of fluid systems engineers responsible for spacecraft hardware and systems.
• Provide technical direction for the design, development, integration, and qualification of fluid systems supporting human spaceflight.
• Own execution of hardware programs from concept development through production, launch, and on-orbit operations.
• Drive architecture decisions, trade studies, and system-level engineering decisions using first principles and sound engineering judgment.
• Partner closely with systems engineering, manufacturing, integration, test, quality, supply chain, and program teams to deliver flight-ready hardware.
• Lead design reviews and ensure designs meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, and safety requirements.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Support hardware testing, troubleshooting, root cause investigations, and corrective actions.
• Establish team priorities, staffing plans, and development roadmaps aligned with program objectives.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop engineers while fostering a culture of technical excellence, ownership, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with suppliers and external partners to support hardware development and qualification efforts.
• Drive execution against aggressive schedules while maintaining a strong commitment to quality and mission success.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of experience developing complex mechanical, fluid, thermal, propulsion, environmental control, or spacecraft systems.
• 2+ years of technical leadership, team leadership, or engineering management experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading hardware development from concept through test, qualification, and production.
• Strong understanding of fluid systems and mechanical system design.
• Experience working in highly collaborative, fast-paced development environments.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience leading teams responsible for propulsion, thermal control, environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS), fluid controls, cryogenic systems, or other high-reliability fluid systems.
• Spacecraft, launch vehicle, aerospace, defense, aviation, or other mission-critical hardware development experience.
• Strong background in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and systems engineering.
• Experience with failure investigations, root cause analysis, and risk management.
• Hands-on experience with fabrication, assembly, integration, testing, and troubleshooting of hardware systems.
• Experience with Siemens NX or similar CAD tools.
• Knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and manufacturing processes including machining, welding, brazing, and tube fabrication.
• Experience working with suppliers and managing hardware development across internal and external teams.
• Demonstrated ability to balance technical rigor with rapid execution in a development-focused environment.

Pay Range: 

• Manager, Fluid Systems Engineering $143,500 - $203,700
• Senior Manager, Fluid Systems Engineering $164,000 - $232,800
• Director, Fluid Systems Engineering $203,360 - $288,672 

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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Vast 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.