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Space Station Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Environmental Health and Safety Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$76K - $100K/yr

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 ...

Staff Thermal Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$175K - $249K/yr

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 ...

Senior Mission Manager

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$151K - $215K/yr

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 ...

Staff DevOps Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$188K - $267K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Staff Data Architect

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$67 - $86.25/hr

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 ...

Accounts Payable Manager

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

Radiation Effects Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$120K - $171K/yr

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 ...

Senior Mission Operations Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$109K - $150K/yr

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 ...

New

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 ...

New

Systems Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$112K - $159K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

Propulsion Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$135K - $195K/yr

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 ...

Senior RF Systems Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$175K - $249K/yr

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 ...

Staff Mission Operations Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$73K - $98K/yr

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Space Station information

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$10

$14

$19

How much do space station jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 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 is a space station?

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.

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 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.

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 jobs are there on a space station?

Jobs on a space station include astronauts, mission specialists, flight engineers, and scientists. These roles involve operating spacecraft, conducting experiments, maintaining systems, and ensuring crew safety, often requiring specialized training, technical skills, and certifications in fields like engineering, medicine, or science.
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:

Infographic showing various Space Station job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $31,125 per year, or $15 per hour.

Director, Loads & Dynamics

Vast

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

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 seeking a highly accomplished and strategic Director, Loads & Dynamics, reporting to the Vice President of Structures & Mechanical Systems, to lead and scale the Loads & Dynamics organization supporting next-generation human-rated space stations and spacecraft.
The ideal candidate will bring extensive technical expertise in spacecraft or launch vehicle dynamics, proven experience building and leading high-performing engineering teams, and a track record of delivering complex aerospace programs from concept through flight operations.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead, scale, and develop the Loads & Dynamics organization, including multiple engineering teams and managers responsible for low- and high-frequency loads and environment predictions across all spacecraft programs and product lines.
  • Define and execute the long-term technical strategy and roadmap for the Loads & Dynamics discipline, aligned with company objectives, program milestones, and business growth plans.
  • Own department-level budget, headcount planning, capital investments, and resource allocation decisions to support current and future program needs.
  • Drive execution excellence across the full product lifecycle, including concept development, requirements definition, analysis, testing, verification, qualification, flight support, and on-orbit operations.
  • Establish and maintain system-level dynamic models, load cases, environments, and methodologies to support spacecraft design, integration, certification, and operations across multiple vehicle programs.
  • Define internal loads and environmental requirements derived from system-level requirements, including quasi-static, random vibration, shock, and acoustic environments.
  • Provide technical authority and oversight for vibration and shock requirement tailoring, test planning, and qualification verification activities across all programs.
  • Lead the development, correlation, and continuous improvement of finite element and dynamic prediction models using test data, flight data, and lessons learned.
  • Establish standardized post-processing tools, methodologies, and best practices for dynamic analyses, test data reduction, and high-speed data processing across teams.
  • Oversee assessment of vendor and supplier hardware capabilities against internally generated dynamic predictions and qualification requirements.
  • Partner with senior leadership across Structures, Propulsion, Thermal, Avionics, GNC, Manufacturing, Test, Systems Engineering, and Program Management to ensure integrated vehicle performance and successful hardware delivery.
  • Lead and oversee technical reviews, design trades, failure investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action efforts related to dynamic environments and structural performance.
  • Provide executive-level technical leadership for spacecraft qualification activities, including vibration, modal, acoustic, and shock testing campaigns.
  • Establish organizational priorities, staffing strategies, succession plans, and capability development initiatives to build a world-class Loads & Dynamics team.
  • Serve as technical authority and risk management leader for dynamic environments, ensuring system performance, reliability, safety, and compliance with aerospace standards, certification requirements, and customer specifications.
  • Develop and mentor managers and senior engineers, fostering a culture of accountability, technical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  • Drive organizational and process improvements that enhance modeling accuracy, analysis efficiency, product quality, and program execution performance across the department.
  • Build and maintain relationships with external customers, agencies, suppliers, contractors, and test facilities to support development, qualification, and mission success.
  • Represent the Loads & Dynamics organization in executive leadership forums, program reviews, customer meetings, and industry engagements.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • 12+ years of engineering experience in aerospace or other safety-critical industries.
  • 5+ years of engineering management experience, including experience managing managers or leading multiple teams.
  • Extensive experience in loads and environments prediction, structural dynamics, vibration, acoustic, shock, and coupled systems analyses for spacecraft, launch vehicles, or other flight-critical systems.
  • Deep expertise in structural dynamics fundamentals, finite element methods, and systems integration principles.
  • Proven track record supporting hardware development through full product lifecycle, including qualification, certification, launch, and flight operations.
  • Proficiency with industry-standard analysis tools such as FEMAP/NASTRAN, ANSYS, Abaqus, or equivalent.
  • Experience owning department-level budgets, resource planning, and organizational development.
  • Experience working with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, and program management organizations.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
  • Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Dynamics, or a related technical discipline.
  • Experience leading Loads & Dynamics organizations responsible for multiple spacecraft, launch vehicles, or flight-critical system programs.
  • Proven success delivering complex aerospace programs from concept through qualification, integration, launch, and on-orbit operations.
  • Technical authority-level expertise in modal analysis, quasi-static loads, random vibration, sine vibration, shock, acoustic environments, transient dynamic response analysis, and coupled loads analysis.
  • Extensive hands-on experience overseeing vibration, acoustic, shock, and modal testing campaigns in laboratory, production, and launch site environments.
  • Experience developing organizational capabilities for finite element model development, correlation, and certification using test and flight data.
  • Deep familiarity with coupled loads analysis (CLA), spacecraft dynamic environments, launch vehicle integration requirements, and payload certification processes.
  • Expert knowledge of spacecraft launch load environments and industry standards such as SMC-S-016, GSFC-STD-7000A, MIL-STD-810, NASA-STD-5002, and NASA-STD-7001.
  • Ability to communicate complex structural dynamic concepts clearly to executive leadership, customers, and multidisciplinary engineering organizations.
  • Strong strategic thinking, analytical, troubleshooting, and root cause investigation skills.
  • Excellent executive communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.
  • Experience building and scaling engineering organizations in fast-paced development and manufacturing environments.
  • Experience interfacing with NASA, DoD, FAA, or commercial spaceflight customers on technical and certification matters.
  • Passion for advancing the future of human spaceflight and space habitation.

Pay Range: California
$188,600-$267,700 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 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.