Emerging Talent - Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering Internship

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station 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. 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 in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.

Headquartered inLong Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

Vast offers an advanced engineering internship program with hands-on opportunities to design and build space hardware and software. You will play a crucial role in the development of the systems that will be required for the operation of human-rated space stations and space infrastructure. We have five engineering internship postings for different areas of focus. Please only apply to the most relevant posting for your background.

Our interns are mentored by industry experts to solve challenging real-world engineering problems across our hiring teams. This is a 12 week internship at our offices in Long Beach, CA or Hawthorne, CA or Mojave, CA.

Responsibilities will vary depending on each intern’s area of expertise. We are currently looking for candidates with experience in the the following engineering disciplines:

• ECLSS (Environmental Control & Life Support Systems)
• ECLSS Test
• Mission Operations
• GNC (Guidance, Navigation, & Controls)
• E-2
• Propulsion
• Propulsion Test
• Solar
• Structures Design
• Structures Test
• Thermal Analysis
• Thermal Hardware
• Thermal Test

Minimum Qualifications

• Qualified candidates must be enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master’s degree program from an accredited college or university in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other related engineering discipline.
• Ability to work full-time onsite in Long Beach, Hawthorne, and Mojave, CA.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Application of technical skills outside of the classroom (examples include: extracurricular projects, volunteering, personal projects, laboratory research, or prior internship/work experience)
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., NX, CATIA) for 3D modeling and simulation
• Attention to detail
• Strong engineering problem solving capabilities
• Basic knowledge of engineering and equipment
• Prior knowledge of analysis tools
• Ability to collaborate across different teams
• Self-directed with a positive attitude and team spirit

Pay Range: California

$35 - $42 USD

We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.

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.

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.