Materials & Processes Engineer, Metallics at Vast

Department: M&PEducation: education_required

Compensation

$86,100 – $195,552/yr

Location: Long Beach, California
Type: Full-time
Level: not_specified
Posted: Sep 17, 2026

Description

Vast is hiring a full-time Materials & Processes Engineer – Metallics in Long Beach to support the design and build of human-rated space stations. The role covers metallic material selection and qualification, manufacturing-process guidance, material and process specifications, testing, failure analysis, supplier quality, and technical leadership, with mentorship responsibilities. The position is exempt, requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical field, and offers three experience-based levels with pay ranging from $86,100 to $195,552 USD in California.

Required Skills

Aluminum
Stainless steels
Titanium
Welding
Heat treatment
Additive manufacturing
Failure analysis
Material characterization
Metallography
Microscopy
Mechanical testing

Additional Information

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field
Required Previous Experiences: 0 years of experience in materials engineering, metallurgy, or manufacturing engineering for Level I
2+ years of experience in materials engineering, metallurgy, or manufacturing engineering for Level II
5+ years of experience with demonstrated technical leadership for Senior level
Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree or PhD in a related technical field
5+ years supporting metallic materials and processes for high-reliability hardware
Deep expertise in welding and joining, heat treatment, fatigue, or fracture mechanics
Experience with metallic manufacturing processes
Experience interpreting material specifications, drawings, test data, and technical requirements
Experience with material characterization, process qualification, failure analysis, or root cause investigations
Strong cross-functional communication skills
First-principles technical problem-solving
Hands-on metallography, microscopy, mechanical testing, and fracture analysis
Experience with special-process qualification and NADCAP-controlled aerospace processes
Familiarity with aerospace material and testing standards
Knowledge of material allowables, fatigue, fracture, corrosion, and environmental compatibility
Hands-on failure analysis and RCCA investigations
Experience in a hardware-first aerospace environment
Autonomous technical ownership
Translation Company Name: Vast