Staff Acoustic Engineer

About

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 Staff Acoustic Engineer, reporting to the Director, Life Support Systems 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 location.

Responsibilities

• Perform acoustic and aeroacoustic modeling of spacecraft systems and habitable environments
• Identify and characterize noise sources including pumps, fans, compressors, valves, and fluid systems
• Analyze sound propagation and transmission paths within pressurized spacecraft modules
• Develop predictive models for cabin acoustic levels and sound distribution
• Perform computational aeroacoustic (CAA) analysis for fluid‑driven noise sources
• Define acoustic requirements and performance targets for spacecraft subsystems
• Lead various design teams in developing noise mitigation strategies, including source reduction, acoustic treatments, and system layout changes
• Conduct acoustic testing and measurements using microphones, arrays, and specialized instrumentation
• Process and interpret acoustic data to validate analytical models and guide design improvements
• Support integrated vehicle testing and verification of acoustic requirements
• Collaborate with ECLSS, fluids, thermal, avionics, structures, and systems teams to improve acoustic performance across the station

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Acoustics, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in acoustics, aeroacoustics, or environmental noise analysis
• Strong background in acoustic theory, wave propagation, and sound measurement
• Experience modeling and analyzing airborne noise and acoustic environments
• Experience with acoustic instrumentation and data analysis
• Experience in design of acoustic mitigation components (e.g., resonators, acoustic damping materials)
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for signal processing and acoustic analysis

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Master’s or PhD in Acoustics, Aeroacoustics, Aerospace Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering
• Experience with computational aeroacoustics (CAA) or acoustic CFD methods
• Experience with tools such as Actran, LMS Virtual.Lab, VA One, STAR‑CCM+, Fluent, OpenFOAM, or similar
• Experience with cabin acoustics, habitable environments, or environmental noise control
• Experience working with fans, pumps, ducting, ventilation systems, or fluid‑generated noise
• Experience performing acoustic test campaigns and measurement programs
• Familiarity with spacecraft, aircraft, or other complex integrated systems

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25 lb unassisted
• Specific certifications, as appropriate

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary $162,360 – $230,472 USD (varies with 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 and 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, and other discounts and perks
• Food perks: free snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, dinner meals, and subsidized lunch

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.