Fluid Systems Engineering

Vast is looking for a Fluid Systems Engineer to support the design, development, manufacturing, and integration of fluid systems across our space station and spacecraft programs. Our fluid systems span environmental and thermal control (ECLSS/TCS), pressurized gas and propellant systems, electric propulsion feed systems, and ground support equipment — all of which are absolutely critical to the safety, performance, and reliability of our crew and spacecraft.

As a Fluid Systems Engineer at Vast, you will work hands-on alongside technicians, manufacturing engineers, and cross-functional teams to bring fluid systems to life in a fast-paced, high-ownership environment. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, brings deep hands-on experience with fluid hardware, and can move fluidly between design, analysis, and the shop floor.

This is a full-time, exempt position located at our Long Beach office.

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