Senior Propulsion Systems Engineer

1 week ago

Mojave, California, United States Vast Full time
About Vast

Vast is a pioneering company dedicated to advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight. Our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people live and thrive in space.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Propulsion Engineer to join our team at Vast. As a key member of our propulsion team, you will play a critical role in the development of the systems required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

Responsibilities
  • Lead cross-functional trade studies and run integrated analyses to define interfaces that impact the design and integration of the Space Station's Propulsion System and Concept of Operations.
  • Act as the negotiator between multiple and sometimes conflicting interests to ensure the optimization of the spacecraft, coordinating constraints and conflicting requirements across multiple disciplines.
  • Identify program risks and associated mitigations, contributing to or leading architecture studies, concept development, ICD development, verification planning, vehicle integration, and operations support.
  • Own critical spacecraft propulsion hardware/systems, assuming profound responsibility for their design and development.
  • Interface with a world-class production team to ensure successful translation of designs into spacecraft.
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, or physics.
  • 5+ years of mechanical or fluids design, analysis, or build experience (student project team and internship experience qualifies).
  • 5+ years of experience in the design, build, and/or test of rocket engines, combustion devices, turbopumps, and/or valves.
Preferred Skills & Experience
  • Advanced degree in aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, or physics.
  • Strong understanding of spacecraft and/or launch vehicle propulsion systems and fluid components.
  • Experience in NX 8.5 or other CAD packages (PTC Creo, CATIA) with a solid understanding and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y.
  • Proficient in basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, materials, and electrical circuits.
  • 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 and fluid system manufacturing techniques, processes, equipment, and other processes such as machining, electron beam welding, orbital tube welding, tube bending, structural assembly, 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, and managers.
  • 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
  • Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
  • Up to 10% travel to Long Beach as needed.
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: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 15 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, free catered meals and snacks and beverages, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

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