Manager, Thermal Control Systems

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.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead 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 Ownership

• Own 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 Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline
• Experience working with fluid systems
• 5 years of hands-on hardware experience (fabrication assembly and/or testing)
• 1 year leading or mentoring engineers

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Leadership experience in a fast-paced hardware development environment
• Ownership of mechanical or fluid systems across multiple development phases
• Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills
• First-principles engineering and ability to guide team-level trade studies
• Experience with rotating machinery
• Proficiency in NX GD&T and tolerance analysis
• Structural analysis experience (hand calcs FEMAP ANSYS)
• Familiarity with machining welding brazing and tube bending
• Excellent communication and leadership skills in a mission-driven environment

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 5%
• Willingness to support occasional evening or weekend work during critical mission phases

Pay Range:

• Manager Thermal Control Systems: $135800 - $176400

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY