Director, Fluid Systems Analysis

VAST · Los Angeles

Mechanical & Aerospaceposted 22mo ago

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.

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 required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

Vast is looking for a Director, Fluid System Analysis, reporting to the Vice President of Fluid Systems, 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.

Key Responsibilities

Manage and lead a team of Propulsion and Thermal analysts, including hiring, mentoring, and technical development
Set standards for analysis methods, documentation, and best practices in a fast-paced, evolving environment
Expand company capabilities in analysis by validating and establishing methods and practices across structural, fluid, and thermal domains
Create and maintain FEA models of propulsion components to support design and certification
Define and review critical loads and load cases in collaboration with GNC, fluids analysis, dynamics/loads engineers and design teams
Mentor design and analysis engineers in analysis methods and validation via testing to review/approve component drawings with feedback
Partner with test engineering to plan and execute structural and dynamic tests, and perform associated analyses
Oversee multiphase propellant feed system and microgravity fluid behavior modeling, including vaporization, condensation, propellant acquisition and slosh dynamics
Guide high-pressure gas system analysis, transient flow behavior (e.g., water hammer, adiabatic compression), and thruster plume impingement studies
Support development and validation of propulsion fluid systems using best practices
Integrate simulation results with ground and flight test data to validate models and refine designs
Partner closely with design, manufacturing, propulsion, thermal, and GN&C teams to ensure analysis informs critical decisions
Present technical findings at design reviews and contribute to NASA certification processes
Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions when issues arise

Minimum Qualifications

B.S. degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering field
8+ years of relevant aerospace design and analysis experience
2+ years of experience overseeing / managing a technical engineering or analysis team
Strong expertise in structural analysis, including FEA modeling, stress analysis, and load case development
Experience with thermo fluid analysis tools (CFD, 1-D system modeling, etc.)
Knowledge of mechanical design, manufacturing processes, and design-for-manufacturability principles

Preferred Qualifications

M.S. or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering
Experience in human spaceflight hardware design and analysis
Expertise in multiphase fluid dynamics, propellant management, and slosh modeling under low-gravity conditions
Experience with thermo-mechanical fatigue, fracture analysis, and spectrum loading fatigue analysis
Hands-on experience with high-pressure gas systems, transient fluid dynamics and heat exchangers
5+ years of experience with liquid or gas rocket engine combustion devices, including RCS design
Track record of leading multidisciplinary teams linking analysis predictions with test and qualification data to accelerate hardware development and certification

Pay Range: California

$203,360—$232,800 USD

We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.

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: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, 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 & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.

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.