System Safety Engineer

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 in Long 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 is looking for a System Safety Engineer, reporting to the Vice President, Flight Safety & Mission Assurance, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of the world’s first commercial human-rated space stations.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities:

Partner with engineering teams to develop a technical understanding of system design and operation. Document hazards to safety and mission and author controls to mitigate the hazard to the greatest extent possible.

Assess and document vehicle compliance with failure tolerance requirements

Identify areas of opportunity for design improvements that minimize risk to people and property

Participate in design reviews to communicate safety analysis and outcomes, to both internal and external partners

Perform system safety analyses such as functional hazard analyses, crew survivability analysis, safety data package, human error assessment, range safety compliance

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum of a B.S. degree in aerospace engineering or related field with experience in aerospace, aviation, or a similar safety critical industry

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Experience performing system safety analyses and certification of human-rated space systems

Experience performing compliance assessment of system safety processes and products against external standards including Range Safety (91-710), NASA, FAA, MIL-STD-882, or ARP-4761

Experience performing system safety activities such as functional hazard analyses, crew survivability analysis, safety data package, human error assessment, range safety compliance

Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, fluid schematics, and electrical circuit diagrams

Strong safety and mission assurance fundamentals

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate technical information to non-technical partners

Ability to form relationships with experts from varying engineering fields and provide constructive feedback about safety concerns

Additional Requirements:

Ability to travel up to 20% of the time

Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones

Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted

Specific certifications, as appropriate

Pay Range: California$110,700—$192,060 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 BENEFITSBase 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 OPPORTUNITYVast 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.