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 May 2026. 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 an Electrical Engineer, reporting to the Director of E-2 Engineering, to create the world's highest performing engine for small launchers, while optimizing for production and low cost. In this role, you will join a team with exciting momentum that has produced and successfully tested fully integrated engine development samples. You will be a key member who will help complete the flight engine design and transition the system from development to production.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Hawthorne location.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible Engineer for the flight engine controller and instrumentation
- Work with test team to integrate engine controller with test stand
- Design, build, and test circuit boards and write software for engine controller, throttles, and TVC
- Procure, calibrate, install, and troubleshoot engine instrumentation
- Responsible for wiring harnesses and mounting avionics on engine
- Create electronics schematics and models/drawings of parts and assemblies. Perform calculations and analyses with team support
- Create schematics and document processes
- Participate in engine testing with our test team and support with troubleshooting as needed
- Communicate effectively with entire team to regularly provide updates on progress and issues
- Always follow proper safety procedures and wear personal protective equipment in the workplace
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
- 2+ years of experience with electronics design, development, fabrication, assembly, or test (internships included)
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Ability to work as a teammate and independently to achieve ambitious goals
- Hands-on engineering (Full-stack: computer to wrench to broom)
- Electronics and circuit boards
- Communication (Written, visual, slides)
- Coding (MATLAB, C++, javascript, C, Arduino)
- CAD (NX preferred)
- Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
- Problem-solving
- Capable to grow positive, respectful, and professional relationships
- Willing to make mistakes, take responsibilities, work independently and be transparent about your work
Additional Requirements:
- Able to lift 25 lbs unassisted
- Work in an outdoor environment exposed to extreme weather conditions
- Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
Pay Ranges:
- Electrical Engineer I: $80,000 - $110,000
- Electrical Engineer II: $100,000 - $145,000
Salary Range: California
$80,000—$145,000 USD
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 10 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 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.
Top Skills
What We Do
Vast is developing artificial gravity space stations to expand humanity across the solar system.
Vast’s mission is to enable large populations of humans to live and work in space, permanently.
Our solar system has the resources and room for humanity to thrive and expand without destroying Earth’s biosphere. Unlocking these resources requires in-space infrastructure and industry at an unprecedented scale.
We are building a world-class team to engineer the human experience in space.
Why Work With Us
We're developing artificial gravity space stations to expand humanity across the solar system in order to enable large populations to live and work in space. Not only is what we're working on groundbreaking, but the team prides itself on living by our values of respect, curiosity, action, and excellence making it a lot more fun to achieve our goal.
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