Role Overview
Vast, Inc is hiring a entry-level Tooling Engineer I. This is a full-time role in Long Beach, California. posted today. applications are still in the early window, before most candidates have applied. Full responsibilities, required qualifications, and the apply link are listed in the description below.
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Job description
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 Tooling Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager of Tooling, 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:
- Own the design, activation, and implementation, and support fabrication, of fixtures and tooling required for Haven-1 assembly, lifting, and handling.
- Work with Integration and Manufacturing to define vehicle integration flow, manufacturing process, concepts and tooling interfaces.
- Collaborate with vehicle engineering and production to define fixture and tooling specifications, qualification plans, and introduce to production.
- Perform mechanical analysis for spacecraft fixtures.
- Develop operation and maintenance plans for all test fixtures and tooling. Assist the facilities manager(s) in all aspects of project implementation as needed
- Manage schedule on assigned projects including critical next steps, deadlines, and outcome.
- Manage vendor relationships and coordinate meetings to identify new technologies and how they can be applied to Vast’s cutting edge applications.
- Develop, test, and implement tool improvements to yield time savings or tolerance improvements.
- Coordinate tooling modifications related to part, production, or other changes.
- Work closely with engineering stakeholders and technicians to solve production-related issues.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, or other engineering discipline
- Experience with GD&T
- 1+ years of experience in aerospace/mechanical/automotive design and/or tooling. (University capstone/competitive projects and prior internship experience may apply)
- 1+ years of experience in NX or other 3D CAD packages
- Hands-on experience with handling, lifting, or building engineered assemblies
- Experience making and running FEA models on structural components
- Knowledge of project planning and execution practices, including logic-linked schedule management
- Strong communication skills.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Experience with work orders and assembly instructions.
- Design of pneumatic, electrical, or hydraulic motion systems.
- Critical lifting and break overs fixtures.
- Integration tooling design
- A passion for hardware development, including working in a fast-paced environment and hands-on design and development.
Additional Requirements:
- Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 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, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering 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.
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.
About Vast, Inc
Vast, Inc
vastspace.com
167 other open roles at Vast, Inc on TryApplyNow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for the Tooling Engineer I position at Vast, Inc?
Use the Apply button above to submit your application directly to Vast, Inc. Most applications take less than 5 minutes if your resume and contact details are ready, and you'll be routed to the employer's official application system to finish.
Where is the Tooling Engineer I position at Vast, Inc located?
This position is based in Long Beach, California. Vast, Inc has not indicated remote or hybrid options for this role, so candidates should plan for on-site work.
What does a Tooling Engineer I at Vast, Inc earn?
Vast, Inc has not disclosed a salary range in this posting. Many employers share specifics later in the interview process; you can also ask during a recruiter screen if compensation transparency is important to you.
When was the Tooling Engineer I role at Vast, Inc posted?
This role was posted on July 22, 2026 (today). It's still listed as actively hiring; we re-confirm openings against the source system multiple times per day and remove closed roles.
Is the Tooling Engineer I role at Vast, Inc entry-level?
Yes. This is an entry-level position. Strong candidates typically have 0-2 years of relevant work experience, internships, or significant project work. Read the full description for any specific qualification requirements Vast, Inc has listed.
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