Solar Arrays Engineer l at Vast in Long Beach, CA

Summary: Vast is a company focused on developing next-generation space stations to enable human presence in space. They are seeking a Solar Arrays Engineer I to support the design and build of solar arrays for artificial-gravity human-rated space stations, with responsibilities including design, testing, and integration of solar ground support equipment. Responsibilities: - Design, build, and test solar ground support equipment - 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 Required Qualifications: - Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, materials engineering, or related engineering discipline - Experience designing, manufacturing and verification of mechanical assemblies - Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones Preferred Qualifications: - Experience working with design, manufacture and verification of photovoltaics or similar composite structures - 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 Required Skills: Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Photovoltaics Design Important Skills: Space Industry Experience, Failure Analysis, NX Design Software, Ansys Analysis Software Nice-to-Have Skills: Proactive Problem-Solving, GD&T Implementation Benefits: 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 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, Other discounts and perks, 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