Tooling Engineer I

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