Staff Acoustic Engineer Long Beach, California, United States

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.

Position
Staff Acoustic Engineer , reporting to

Director, Life Support Systems

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

Perform acoustic and aeroacoustic modeling of spacecraft systems and habitable environments

Identify and characterize noise sources including pumps, fans, compressors, valves, and fluid systems

Analyze sound propagation and transmission paths within pressurized spacecraft modules

Develop predictive models for cabin acoustic levels and sound distribution

Perform computational aeroacoustic (CAA) analysis for fluid-driven noise sources

Define acoustic requirements and performance targets for spacecraft subsystems

Lead various design teams in developing noise mitigation strategies, including source reduction, acoustic treatments, and system layout changes

Conduct acoustic testing and measurements using microphones, arrays, and specialized instrumentation

Process and interpret acoustic data to validate analytical models and guide design improvements

Support integrated vehicle testing and verification of acoustic requirements

Collaborate with ECLSS, fluids, thermal, avionics, structures, and systems teams to improve acoustic performance across the station

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Acoustics, or a related field

5+ years of experience in acoustics, aeroacoustics, or environmental noise analysis

Strong background in acoustic theory, wave propagation, and sound measurement

Experience modeling and analyzing airborne noise and acoustic environments

Experience with acoustic instrumentation and data analysis

Experience in design of acoustic mitigation components such as resonators and acoustic damping materials

Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for signal processing and acoustic analysis

Preferred Skills & Experience

Master’s or PhD in Acoustics, Aeroacoustics, Aerospace Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering with experience in computational aeroacoustics (CAA) or acoustic CFD methods

Experience with tools such as Actran, LMS Virtual.Lab, VA One, STAR-CCM+, Fluent, OpenFOAM, or similar

Experience with cabin acoustics, habitable environments, or environmental noise control

Experience working with fans, pumps, ducting, ventilation systems, or fluid-generated noise

Experience performing acoustic test campaigns and measurement programs

Familiarity with spacecraft, aircraft, or other complex integrated systems

Additional Requirements

Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones

Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted

Specific certifications, as appropriate

Compensation & Benefits
Pay Range: California
162,360 - 230,472 USD

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: 100% 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.

Export Control Compliance
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 be considered for deemed export licensing.

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.

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