Manager of Structures Engineering

As a Manager of Structures Engineering at Vast, you'll lead the engineering team focused on creating secondary structures for space habitation. This includes overseeing the design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing of critical components like solar panels and crew quarters. Your role is vital for ensuring all structures meet safety and quality standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams to maintain an integrated and sustainable environment. Additionally, you will manage personnel, promote innovation, and keep up with advancements in space technology.

To be considered for the Manager of Structures Engineering position at Vast, you will need a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and a minimum of 6 years of experience in aerospace structures engineering. Preferred candidates will have at least 10 years of experience and 2 years in a management role, with a proven record of leading large-scale projects in the aerospace industry. A deep understanding of challenges like radiation shielding and structural integrity in space conditions is essential.

The Manager of Structures Engineering at Vast is crucial in implementing safety protocols for secondary structures. This role involves assessing risks and developing mitigation strategies while ensuring that all engineering designs adhere to safety regulations. By leading the team in best practices and fostering innovation, you’ll help create sustainable structures that can support human life and withstand the harsh conditions of outer space.

The expected salary range for the Manager of Structures Engineering position at Vast is between $135,800 and $176,400 USD. Compensation varies based on job-related knowledge, education, skills, and experience. Additionally, Vast offers a comprehensive benefits package, including company equity, health coverage, flexible paid time off, and various perks to support employee well-being.

At Vast, a Manager of Structures Engineering has abundant growth opportunities within the organization. You’ll be leading a talented team, developing innovative solutions, and mentoring engineers, which can lead to further leadership roles or specialization in areas of interest. As Vast continues to grow and revolutionize space habitation, the possibilities for career advancement are vast, making it an exciting place for professional development.

When answering this question, provide specific examples of your previous roles in aerospace structures engineering. Highlight any projects you've led or worked on, especially those relevant to space habitation or other innovative fields. Be sure to detail the challenges you faced and how you overcame them, showcasing your technical acumen and problem-solving skills.

Discuss your leadership style and techniques you employ to motivate your engineering team. Include examples of how you promote collaboration and innovation, as well as your approach to mentoring team members. Emphasizing a supportive work culture that encourages growth will resonate well with interviewers.

Employing risk assessment strategies is vital for safety in aerospace projects. Explain your approach, such as identifying potential risks early in the design process and implementing assessment tools. Discuss how you develop mitigation plans and ensure that all team members understand the importance of safety protocols.

Detail your past collaboration with cross-functional teams, ideally in aerospace or engineering contexts. Emphasize instances where your ability to communicate and collaborate led to successful project integration. Mention how you facilitated workshops or meetings that bridged departments effectively.

This question invites you to share your vision for the future of space habitation. Discuss advancements in technology, sustainability, and human factors. Mention how these elements will interact and shape the next generation of space habitats, demonstrating your industry knowledge and forward-thinking.

Explain the resources you use, such as professional organizations, conferences, journals, or online platforms, to stay updated on space technology developments. Mention any relevant networks or communities you are part of and how these connections enrich your understanding of current trends and innovations.

Provide a comprehensive overview of a specific engineering project you led. Describe the project’s scope, challenges encountered, your role, and how you guided your team through each stage, from brainstorming and design to final execution. Highlight the skills and techniques you employed to ensure success.

Discuss sustainability as a core principle in your engineering practices. Provide examples of how you have designed or advocated for sustainable practices in previous projects, especially in terms of materials and energy efficiency. This showcases your alignment with Vast’s commitment to sustainability.

Share your philosophy on mentorship and the strategies you use to support junior engineers in their career development. Provide examples of how you have successfully guided team members, fostering their growth while also ensuring quality and productivity within the engineering team.

Detail your knowledge and experience with regulatory compliance specific to aerospace engineering. Talk about how you ensure that all designs meet industry standards and safety regulations. Mention any direct dealings with regulatory bodies or successful audits that demonstrate your expertise.