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Space Station Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vast

Manager, Procurement (Machining)

Long Beach, CA · On-site

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 ...

Vast

Integration Engineer, Avionics Test

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$162K - $230K/yr

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 ...

Vast

Mechanical Engineer, Structures

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$135K - $176K/yr

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 ...

Vast

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Structures

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$162K - $230K/yr

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 ...

Vast

Senior RF Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$147K - $209K/yr

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 ...

Vast

Senior Engineer, Life Support Systems

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$137K - $195K/yr

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 ...

Vast

Senior Studio Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$129K - $185K/yr

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 ...

Vast

Manager, Government Affairs

Washington, DC · On-site

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 ...

Vast

Director, Loads & Dynamics

Long Beach, CA · On-site

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 ...

Vast

Manager, Loads & Dynamics

Long Beach, CA · On-site

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 ...

Axiomspace

Flight Software Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Beginning with Axiom Station, successor to the International Space Station, the company is pioneering a next-generation orbital settlement that will foster groundbreaking innovation and research in ...

Vast

Teamcenter Application Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$195K/yr

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 ...

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How much do space station jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for space station in the United States is $14.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs are there on a space station?

Jobs on a space station include astronauts, mission specialists, flight engineers, and scientists. These roles require specialized training in areas such as engineering, biology, or medicine, and often involve working with complex equipment and conducting experiments in a microgravity environment.

What is the difference between Space Station vs Satellite Technician?

AspectSpace StationSatellite Technician
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized training in space systemsElectronics or telecommunications certification, technical training
Work EnvironmentOnboard space station, zero gravity, confined spaceGround-based, often in labs or field sites
Employer & IndustryNASA, international space agencies, aerospace companiesSatellite service providers, aerospace firms, telecommunications companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Space Station and a Satellite Technician lies in their work environment and required credentials. Space Station roles involve working onboard space stations with specialized training, while Satellite Technicians typically work on the ground maintaining and repairing satellites. Both roles are essential in the aerospace industry but serve different functions and environments.

What professions make 500,000 a year?

Professions that can earn $500,000 or more annually include specialized roles such as senior corporate executives, investment bankers, surgeons, and certain technology entrepreneurs. These positions often require advanced education, extensive experience, and high levels of responsibility or performance. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and individual achievement.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by professionals working aboard a space station, and how are they supported in overcoming them?

Professionals on a space station face unique challenges such as adapting to microgravity, maintaining physical and mental health in a confined environment, and managing complex technical systems. Crew members often work closely with ground control and international teams, collaborating to troubleshoot issues and conduct experiments. To overcome these challenges, they undergo extensive pre-mission training, have access to real-time support from mission control, and participate in regular exercise routines and psychological support programs to maintain well-being and performance throughout their mission.

How much do people on the space station get paid?

Astronauts working on the space station are typically employed by government space agencies like NASA or international partners and earn salaries comparable to senior government employees, often ranging from $66,000 to over $144,000 annually depending on experience and rank. They also receive additional allowances for living and working in space, as well as benefits related to their specialized skills and training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Space Station Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Space Station Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, systems integration, and problem-solving, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and experience in space systems. Familiarity with simulation software, life support systems, robotics, and certifications from agencies like NASA or ESA are commonly required. Excellent teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills are essential for collaborating in the confined and high-stakes environment of a space station. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the safety, functionality, and success of complex missions in space.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the context of space station roles, senior aerospace engineers, mission managers, and high-level astronauts can earn salaries around or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially with experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills. These positions often require extensive training, security clearances, and work in high-pressure environments. Outside of space-related careers, executive roles in the aerospace industry may also reach this salary level.

What are space stations?

Space stations are large, habitable spacecraft designed to remain in low Earth orbit for extended periods, allowing astronauts to live and work in space. They serve as research laboratories, observation platforms, and technology testing sites, enabling experiments in microgravity and other unique conditions. The International Space Station (ISS) is the most well-known example, providing a multinational platform for scientific collaboration and advancing our understanding of space and life sciences.
More about Space Station jobs
What cities are hiring for Space Station jobs? Cities with the most Space Station job openings:
What states have the most Space Station jobs? States with the most job openings for Space Station jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Space Station jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Space Station jobs are:
Space Station jobs near you
Infographic showing various Space Station job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,125 per year, or $15 per hour.
Mechanical Engineer II, Thermal Control Systems

Mechanical Engineer II, Thermal Control Systems

Vast

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$112K - $159K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

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 looking for a Thermal Control Systems Mechanical Engineer, reporting to the Manager, Thermal Control Hardware 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, CA location.
Responsibilities:
  • Own the design and development of thermal control system and components for our artificial-gravity space station, from initial design trades to fully functional and validated system
  • Possible thermal components include heat exchangers, cold plates, heaters, heat pipes, etc...
  • Iterate on manufacturing processes and development testing in a fast-paced environment
  • Own the project delivery timeline from early design through production, launch, and orbit insertion
  • Perform systems engineering tasks and fluid analyses
  • Lead design reviews internally and externally with suppliers and customers
  • Work with interdisciplinary stakeholders to ensure the component will integrate with the necessary avionics, software, and mission operations systems
  • Make sure that all designs are manufacturable and reliable
  • Bring technical excellence to everything you do

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or other engineering discipline
  • Experience working with fluid systems or components
  • 5+ years of hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly and/or testing

Preferred Skills & Experience:
  • 4+ years of experience working with fluid systems or components
  • Demonstrated ability to own hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting
  • 4+ years of hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly and/or testing
  • Proactive problem-solving skills such as failure analysis, root cause investigation, and design of experiment creation
  • Ability to perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals to make clear recommendations even with partial information
  • Experience with rotating machinery
  • Experienced in NX
  • Solid understanding and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance stack-up analysis
  • Experience with structural analysis methods (hand calcs, FEMAP, ANSYS) in order to optimize hardware to strength requirements as well as to evaluate for life and fracture
  • Knowledge of metallic and fluid system manufacturing techniques, processes, equipment, and other processes such as machining, welding, brazing, tube bending, etc.
  • Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, other engineers, and managers
  • Highly self-motivated with strong organizational and written/oral communication skills - able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with the ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work

Pay Range: California
$112,340-$159,468 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 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 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.

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