Mechanical Engineering, Avionics (New Grad)

Long Beach · USD 86,100-122,220 · Full-time · Onsite · Posted Oct 12, 2026

At a glance

Vast is looking for a Mechanical Engineer, Avionics (New Grad) to help develop the systems behind human-rated space stations.
The role involves utilizing engineering knowledge and creativity to design, build, and test novel solutions at the cutting edge of space technology.

Design avionics enclosures, mounts, and brackets for components such as batteries and crew-interfacing hardware, with guidance from senior engineers.
Work with the electrical engineering team to package rugged printed circuit board assemblies.
Perform thermal and structural analyses to check that designs hold up in harsh environments.
Create engineering drawings and keep design documentation current as hardware changes.
Contribute to trade studies and help write interface and specification documents.
Help plan and run tests, collect and interpret data, and support qualification of flight hardware.
Help verify requirements through test, analysis, inspection, or demonstration.
Work hands-on with technicians to build, assemble, and install hardware on the space station.

B.S. in mechanical, aerospace, or civil engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field.
Coursework, project, or internship experience designing and developing mechanical components or systems.
Familiarity with 3D CAD and FEA software through coursework, student project teams, or internships.
Understanding of GD&T fundamentals (ASME Y14.5).

Participation in hands-on engineering teams such as Formula SAE, rocketry, CubeSat, or robotics.
A portfolio or examples of designs you've taken from concept through build or test.
Coursework, project, or internship experience designing structures or components for a high-performance vehicle or spacecraft.
Familiarity with CAD tools, ideally NX, and exposure to PLM tools such as Teamcenter.
Exposure to thermal or structural analysis using Ansys, Femap/Nastran, Abaqus, or similar tools.
Working knowledge of GD&T fundamentals (ASME Y14.5).
A curious, hands-on approach to problem solving, including interest in troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
Hands-on experience building or testing hardware, whether through internships, co-ops, machine shops, or student project teams.