Propulsion Engineer

Location: Long Beach, California, United States

Department: Engineering - Propulsion

Vast is looking for a Propulsion Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager, Haven-1 propulsion, 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: 

• Collaborate closely with propulsion and systems design teams to provide manufacturing and assembly input for component hardware such as valves, regulators, tubing, ducting, manifolds, COPVs, fittings, and instrumentation used in propulsion and pressurization systems.
• Develop, qualify, and optimize manufacturing processes and production equipment for propulsion components, with a focus on repeatability, quality, cost, and flight reliability.
• Create and maintain detailed manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, travelers, and work instructions to support production of propulsion hardware across development, qualification, and flight builds.
• Support propulsion systems including propellant feed, pressurization, venting, purge, and safety-critical fluid systems.
• Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges through hands-on troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Work directly with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality propulsion components, including review and approval of supplier manufacturing processes and documentation.
• Perform hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of propulsion components and sub-assemblies, ensuring compliance with engineering requirements and applicable aerospace standards.
• Participate in design and manufacturing readiness reviews, providing actionable feedback to improve manufacturability, reliability, and scalability of propulsion hardware.
• Partner with quality engineering to define inspection methods, acceptance criteria, and process controls for safety-critical fluid components.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cycle time, improve yield, and increase robustness of propulsion manufacturing processes.
• Stay current with propulsion manufacturing techniques, materials, joining methods, and industry best practices to inform design and production decisions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace, propulsion, or high-reliability fluid systems.
• Experience with CAD tools (e.g., Siemens NX) and the ability to review designs, generate manufacturing documentation, and design assembly or test tooling.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong cross-functional communication skills and the ability to work effectively with propulsion, systems, test, and quality teams
• High attention to detail and a strong ownership mindset for safety-critical hardware.
• Strong GD&T knowledge and experience creating and reviewing engineering drawings.
• Strong understanding of propulsion fluid systems, including tube fabrication, welding/brazing, cleaning, and assembly processes.
• Experience with manufacturing and assembly of high-pressure or hazardous fluid systems.
• Proven problem-solving skills with hands-on root cause analysis experience.
• Hands-on experience testing, troubleshooting, and qualifying propulsion or fluid components is highly desirable.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends as needed to support critical propulsion testing and mission milestones.

Pay Range: 

• Propulsion Engineer II: $112,340 - $159,468
• Senior Propulsion Engineer: $137,760 - $195,552