Solar Array Engineer

About

Vast’s 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. The team is all‑in, committed to executing the mission safely and on time.

Position Overview

Vast is looking for a Solar Array Engineer (full‑time, exempt) reporting to the Principal Power Systems Engineer, to support the development of systems required for the design and build of artificial‑gravity human‑rated space stations. Location: Long Beach.

Responsibilities

• Define requirements and trade architectures of solar arrays.
• Select and qualify materials and vendors for solar arrays.
• Develop and qualify processes for welding, adhesion, lamination of solar cells.
• Test and qualify designs to AIAA S112 standards.
• Interface with systems engineering, power electronics, structures, thermal, and mission assurance teams for end‑to‑end integration.
• Troubleshoot issues across the product lifecycle—from design through integration and testing.
• Participate in design reviews, drawing checks, and technical documentation for internal and NASA deliverables.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, materials engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience working with design, manufacture and verification of photovoltaics or similar composite structures.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience in the space industry, including developing, building, and testing solar arrays.
• Experience with space solar design and guidelines such as AIAA S111, S112.
• Proactive problem‑solving skills such as failure analysis and root cause investigation.
• Prior experience in a fast‑paced manufacturing setting.
• Design work in recent versions of NX, Teamcenter.
• Analysis work in recent versions of Ansys, FeMap/Nastran, Abaqus, Thermal Desktop.
• Experience with GD&T implementation and analysis (ASME Y14.5).
• Familiarity with spacecraft specifications such as SMC‑S‑016, NASA‑STD‑5001, and NASA‑STD‑5019.

Additional Requirements

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

Pay Range

• Solar Array Engineer II: $110,000 – $140,000
• Senior Solar Array Engineer: $140,000 – $175,000
• Overall California range: $110,000 – $175,000 USD

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary varies based on knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand.
• Company equity for full‑time employees.
• 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
• Generous paid time off: up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff, up to 10+ days for non‑exempt staff, with ability to cash‑out unused vacation annually.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• ClassPass credits.
• Personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health.
• Food perks: free snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, dinner meals, and subsidized lunch.

U.S. Export Control Compliance

The hired individual will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls and must be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 (U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee with approved status).

Equal Opportunity

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced 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.