Manager, Thermal Control Systems at Vast

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 initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1 scheduled to be the worlds first commercial space station when it launches into low-Earth orbit in 2026. It is part of our stepping stone approach to continuous human presence in team isall-in committed to executing our mission safely and on you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity come join us.Vast is seeking a Manager Thermal Control Systems reporting to the Senior Manager Thermal Control Systems Hardware to lead the development of the thermal and fluid systems that enable artificial gravity and long-term human habitation in this role you will guide a small team of mechanical engineers while also contributing directly to system architecture design and test. You will shape mission-critical hardware that must operate flawlessly in orbit and play a key role in advancing human-rated spaceflight. This full-time exempt role is based in Long Beach CA.ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team DevelopmentLead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers responsible for thermal and fluid system hardware.Set technical direction prioritize development efforts and foster a culture of ownership and continuous improvement.Provide guidance on design decisions analyses and test plans ensuring high-quality engineering outputs.Manage workloads support professional development and ensure on-time execution of deliverables.Technical OwnershipOwn the architecture and performance of thermal control system hardware including tubing trays and fluid loops.Lead hardware through its full lifecyclefrom design trades through manufacturing qualification launch prep and on-orbit operation.Drive rapid prototyping and iterative testing to mature designs in a fast-paced environment.Oversee systems engineering tasks including analyses requirements and cross-team integration (i.e. Avionics Software Mission Operations etc.)Lead internal and external design reviews and ensure hardware meets human-rated reliability and safety requirements.Ensure manufacturable production-ready designs and collaborate closely with technicians manufacturing engineers and integration teams.Minimum QualificationsBachelors degree in mechanical engineering or related disciplineExperience working with fluid systems5 years of hands-on hardware experience (fabrication assembly and/or testing)1 year leading or mentoring engineersPreferred Skills & ExperienceLeadership experience in a fast-paced hardware development environmentOwnership of mechanical or fluid systems across multiple development phasesStrong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skillsFirst-principles engineering and ability to guide team-level trade studiesExperience with rotating machineryProficiency in NX GD&T and tolerance analysisStructural analysis experience (hand calcs FEMAP ANSYS)Familiarity with machining welding brazing and tube bendingExcellent communication and leadership skills in a mission-driven environmentAdditional RequirementsAbility to travel up to 5%Willingness to support occasional evening or weekend work during critical mission phasesPay Range:Manager Thermal Control Systems: $135800 - $176400Salary Range: California$135800 - $176400 USDCOMPENSATION 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 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff paid parental leave short and long-term disability insurance life insurance access to a 401(k) retirement plan One Medical membership ClassPass credits personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks with snacks drip coffee cold drinks and dinner meals remaining free of charge and lunch subsidized as part of Vasts ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.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.Required Experience:Manager Key Skills Feed,Apache Commons,Maintenance,Business Support,Clinical Employment Type : Full Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Monthly Salary Salary: 135800 - 176400