Avionics Manufacturing Engineer, Battery

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 zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s 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 LEO. 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 an Avionics Manufacturing Engineer, Battery, reporting to the Senior Avionics Manufacturing Engineer, to support the development of the battery and power systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. As an Avionics Manufacturing Engineer focused on Batteries and Power Systems, you will play a crucial role in the development and manufacturing of power system related devices for our portfolio of space products, including liquid rocket engines and a commercial space station. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams of design/test engineers and technicians to ensure the successful manufacturing, assembly, and integration of avionics components and wire harnesses, contributing to the overall success of the business.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach, CA location.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with design teams to provide professional feedback on the manufacturability and assembly processes of lithium-ion battery packs and power systems hardware.

• Support new product introduction and the development of manufacturing processes to support battery systems and power systems.

• Develop and optimize new and existing manufacturing processes,considering factors such as efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

• Create and maintain detailed manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, and work instructions to ensure consistent and accurate production of battery and power systems.

• Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges by conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions (RCCA).

• Work closely with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality avionics components, reviewing and approving supplier manufacturing processes.

• Perform hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of both battery and power systems, ensuring compliance with engineering specifications and industry standards.

• Participate in design reviews, providing valuable insights to improve the manufacturability and reliability of batteries and power system related hardware.

• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to establish and maintain rigorous quality control processes for avionics manufacturing.

• Work closely with team members, mentoring less experienced team members on avionics manufacturing and collaborating with all team members on documentation review and product support.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall product quality.

• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in avionics manufacturing to drive innovation within the company

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

• 5 + years of experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in the aerospace, avionics industry, automotive battery manufacturing, and/or automotive power systems manufacturing.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Strong understanding of batteries, avionics power systems, electronics manufacturing processes, and assembly techniques.

• Proficiency in CAD software (such as Siemens NX) for reviewing designs and creating manufacturing documentation.

• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations relevant to avionics manufacturing, such as IPC standards.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to perform root cause analysis.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross- functional teams.

• Hands-on experience with testing and troubleshooting avionics systems is desirable.

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies is a plus.

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.

• Ability to manage new product introduction

• Ability to effectively provide design for manufacturing feedback

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones

• Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted

Pay Range:

• Manufacturing Engineer II: $100,000 - $130,000

• Senior Manufacturing Engineer: $120,000 - $160,000

Salary Range: California
$100,000—$160,000 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: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, 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, 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.