Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and capital-efficient approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to support a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and supporting a growing space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo's 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to design, build, and operate its own spacecraft in orbit. Next, Haven-1 is targeted to become the world's first commercial space station, with launch anticipated in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced two new offerings leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo: Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line; and Vast Lunar Systems, power, communications, and habitats for the Moon.
Headquartered in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities capable of manufacturing America's next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for Mars, dedicated modules for government partners, and other crewed systems designed to unlock the expanding long-term space economy.
Vast has multiple Tooling Engineer openings, reporting to the Senior Manager, Tooling, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities:
- Own the design, activation, and implementation, and support fabrication, of fixtures and tooling required for Haven-1 assembly, lifting, and handling.
- Work with Integration and Manufacturing to define vehicle integration flow, manufacturing process, concepts and tooling interfaces.
- Collaborate with vehicle engineering and production to define fixture and tooling specifications, qualification plans, and introduce to production.
- Perform mechanical analysis for spacecraft fixtures.
- Develop operation and maintenance plans for all test fixtures and tooling. Assist the facilities manager(s) in all aspects of project implementation as needed
- Manage schedule on assigned projects including critical next steps, deadlines, and outcome.
- Manage vendor relationships and coordinate meetings to identify new technologies and how they can be applied to Vast's cutting edge applications.
- Develop, test, and implement tool improvements to yield time savings or tolerance improvements.
- Coordinate tooling modifications related to part, production, or other changes.
- Work closely with engineering stakeholders and technicians to solve production-related issues.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, or other engineering discipline.
- Experience with GD&T.
- 5+ years of experience in aerospace or automotive tooling.
- 5+ years of experience in NX or other 3D CAD packages.
- Hands-on experience with handling, lifting, or building large, complex assemblies.
- Knowledge of project planning and execution practices, including logic-linked schedule management.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Experience with work orders and assembly instructions.
- Design of pneumatic, electrical, or hydraulic motion systems.
- Critical lifting and break overs fixtures.
- Integration tooling design.
- A passion for hardware development, including working in a fast-paced environment and hands-on design and development.
- Strong communication skills.
Additional Requirements:
- Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
Pay Range:
- Tooling Engineer II $112,340 - $159,468
- Senior Tooling Engineer $137,760 - $195,552
- Staff Tooling Engineer $162,360 - $230,472
Pay Range: California
$112,340 - $230,472 USD
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