Vast
Space Tech & AerospaceLong Beach, CA

Vast

Building the world's first artificial gravity space stations for long-duration human spaceflight.

Company Profile

Vast is a groundbreaking startup with the ambitious goal of building the world's first artificial gravity space stations. Founded by Jed McCaleb, a visionary entrepreneur known for his work in cryptocurrency, Vast aims to enable long-duration human presence in space by mitigating the health risks associated with microgravity. Their core mission is to create habitable, rotating space stations that generate artificial gravity, paving the way for sustainable off-world living and working. They are building complex, modular space habitats, integrating advanced life support systems, structural engineering for rotation, and sophisticated environmental controls. This endeavor represents a significant leap forward in human spaceflight infrastructure, addressing one of the most critical challenges for extended missions beyond Earth orbit. The engineering culture at Vast is inherently innovative, interdisciplinary, and driven by a long-term vision. Engineers are challenged to solve unprecedented problems in space habitat design, artificial gravity mechanics, and closed-loop life support systems. There's a strong emphasis on foundational physics, advanced materials, and robust system integration. The environment fosters bold thinking, meticulous design, and a collaborative spirit, as teams work together to bring this complex vision to reality. As a very new company, Vast is in its early growth stages but has secured substantial initial funding, signaling serious intent and capability. Their unique focus on artificial gravity distinguishes them from other commercial space station ventures, positioning them as a leader in addressing fundamental human needs for long-term space habitation. What makes Vast unique for job seekers is the opportunity to contribute to truly pioneering work in human spaceflight, designing and building the very first artificial gravity habitats. It's an environment where engineers can apply their skills to solve some of the most challenging problems in aerospace engineering and contribute to humanity's expansion into space. The tech stack will involve advanced CAD/CAE tools, fluid dynamics simulations, structural analysis software, C++ for control systems, and Python for data analysis and automation. Working at Vast means being at the forefront of creating a sustainable future for humans in space, literally building the foundations for off-world civilization. It's an ideal place for engineers who are passionate about human spaceflight, complex systems design, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

Quick Facts

Founded

2022

Employees

50-100

Valuation

$100M+ funding

Work Model

On-site

Salary Ranges
Engineer
$$120K-$190K
Product Manager
$$130K-$200K
Data Analyst
$$125K-$195K
Backed By
Valor Equity PartnersPIMCOLockheed Martin VenturesNorthrop Grumman
StageSeries A
Latest Round$60M
Top Roles
Aerospace EngineerStructural EngineerLife Support Systems EngineerAvionics EngineerSoftware EngineerRobotics Engineer
Interview Process

As a new, ambitious startup, interviews are likely to be rigorous, focusing on deep technical expertise, problem-solving, and cultural fit for a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. Expect design challenges and discussions about complex space systems.