Knowledge Engineering Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations 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. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. 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, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. 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 seeking an experienced and strategic Manager, Engineering to lead high-performing engineering organizations developing critical systems for next-generation human-rated space stations and spacecraft. This role will provide organizational, technical, and execution leadership. 

This is a full-time, exempt position located in Long Beach location. 

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams across design, integration, test, and delivery of spacecraft hardware.
• Own execution across the full product lifecycle—from concept and requirements definition through manufacturing, verification, qualification, and operations.
• Align manufacturing, supply chain, quality, test, and program management on hardware delivery and integration.
• Set org priorities, staffing, roadmaps, and resource plans to meet program milestones.
• Drive technical decisions and risk management across performance, safety, and compliance.
• Lead design reviews, trades, root cause investigations, and corrective actions.
• Mentor engineers and managers; build a culture of accountability and technical excellence.
• Own recruiting, performance management, and succession planning.
• Manage supplier and partner relationships across development, manufacturing, and integration.
• Champion continuous improvement in engineering efficiency, quality, and velocity.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• 6+ years of engineering experience in aerospace or other safety-critical industries.
• 3+ years of technical leadership or engineering management experience.
• Track record leading teams through complex hardware or integrated system development across multiple lifecycle phases.
• Strong systems integration, development process, and first-principles engineering fundamentals.
• Experience leading trade studies, engineering reviews, and cross-functional efforts in manufacturing environments.
• Proven ability to lead teams in fast-paced, iterative development environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing teams developing spacecraft, flight hardware, or mission-critical systems.
• Proven success leading complex programs from concept through qualification, integration, and test.
• Experience building and scaling engineering organizations in high-growth environments.
• Deep knowledge of hardware verification, qualification testing, and aerospace certification practices.
• Proficiency with CAD and engineering analysis tools.
• Expertise in systems-level troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and failure investigation.
• Proficiency with GD&T, tolerance analysis, and engineering drawing review.
• Background in structural, thermal, propulsion, fluids, or integrated spacecraft systems.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and organizational skills.
• Passion for advancing the future of human spaceflight and space habitation

Pay Range

Manager, Engineering: $150,000 - $215,000

Pay Range: California

$150,000 - $215,000 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: 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.