At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in August 2025. 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 looking for a Senior Manager of Structures Engineering, who will report directly to the Senior Director of Structures Engineering. This pivotal role involves leading the design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing of secondary structures essential for space habitation. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring these structures are safe, sustainable, and capable of supporting human life in the harsh environment of space, embodying our core values of innovation and excellence.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Structures Engineering team focused on secondary structures and interiors with products like solar attachments, debris shielding, CMG mounts, payload racks, crew quarters structure, thruster and avionics mounting and many others
• Oversee the end-to-end process of designing, engineering, analyzing, manufacturing, and testing secondary space habitation structures, ensuring they meet all safety, quality, and performance standards
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including those in life support systems, mechanisms, propulsion, and human systems to ensure seamless integration of components into a cohesive and sustainable environment
• Manage the team's personnel, and resources, promoting a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence
• Keep abreast of the latest advancements in space technology and habitation research, integrating innovative solutions into our structures
• Coordinate with external partners, contractors, and regulatory agencies to adhere to all space habitation standards and regulations
• Implement risk assessment and mitigation strategies specifically for secondary structures, guaranteeing robust safety protocols and contingency planning
• Develop and mentor a team of top-tier engineers, empowering them to contribute significantly to the future of space habitation

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited institution
• 10 years' experience in aerospace structures engineering, with specific expertise in secondary structures
• 2 years of team lead or management experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven success in leading large-scale engineering projects from conception to completion, ideally within the space or aerospace industry
• A deep understanding of the technical challenges of space habitation, including environmental control, radiation shielding, and structural integrity in zero-gravity conditions
• Strong leadership capabilities, able to inspire and manage a diverse team of engineers
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with a history of working in cross-functional teams and engaging with external partners and stakeholders

Salary Range: California
$159,100—$210,900 USD
Compensation And BenefitsBase 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.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUSThe 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 OPPORTUNITYVast 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.