Senior Manager, Fluid Systems Design

Long Beach · USD 164,000-232,800 · 2-5 years experience · Full-time · Onsite · Posted Oct 6, 2026

At a glance

Vast is looking for a Senior Manager of Fluid Systems Design, reporting to the VP of Fluid Systems Engineering, to support the development of systems required for human-rated space stations.
The role involves leading a design team translating architecture choices for propulsion, TCS, and ECLSS systems into vehicle packaging for future Haven modules.

Lead design team translating architecture choices for propulsion, TCS and ECLSS systems into vehicle packaging for future Haven modules.
Own component-level design practices for propulsion, TCS and ECLSS.
Develop process tools to streamline design activities, enabling component responsible engineers to be force multipliers for the design team.
Lead team of designers across the fluid systems engineering team, flexing resources as needed, and building cross-system experience in the team.
Interface with structures design team on overall vehicle integration, establishing and enforcing standard design and modeling practices.
Collaborate with the fluid system analysis team on structural, fracture, and dynamics requirements for design validation.
Partner with the fluid system test team to design ground support equipment and test stands needed for development, qualification and acceptance testing.
Build and mentor a team of design engineers, establishing clear ownership and accountability for world-class design work.
Drive communication and collaboration between fluid systems design, structures, and operations, resolving manufacturing and integration challenges.
Support risk management, CDR/dCDR action item tracking, and lessons-learned capture from prior missions.

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or other technical discipline.
2+ years of hands-on engineering experience followed by 2-5 years of experience in systems engineering, technical project management, or customer facing program roles in aerospace.
8+ years of experience in system design, with demonstrated component-level design authority on flight hardware, preferably with propulsion, thermal or ECLSS systems.
2+ years of experience overseeing / managing a technical engineering team.
Expertise in fluid system design including pressure vessels, tubing routings, mechanical fluid seals, control valves, fans, filters and/or ducting systems.
Experience with high-pressure fluid systems including fracture criticality.
Familiarity with P&IDs, feed system ConOps, and fill and drain considerations for vehicle integration.
Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams and drive technical decisions to closure.
Experience supporting design reviews (CDR, PDR) and managing associated action items and risk tracking.
Strong cross-functional communication skills comfortable working across structures, GNC, avionics, software, and manufacturing.

Experience building in-house design team capability.
Background in mission operations, covering propulsion, thermal or ECLSS systems.
Prior work with component and HITL test environments.
Startup or fast-paced development environment experience.
Familiarity with electric propulsion system interfaces (PPU, mass flow control).
Experience with tubing assembly and design for manufacturing / design for assembly.
Background in fracture mechanics or composite overwrap pressure vessel certification.

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 cash-out option
Paid parental leave
Short and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
401(k) retirement plan
ClassPass credits
Personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health
Free snacks, drip coffee, onsite barista, cold drinks, dinner meals, and subsidized lunch