NX Designer, ECLSS

The NX Designer at Vast is primarily responsible for owning the design and drawings for thermal hardware, managing the Bill of Materials (BOM), and overseeing the interface management between various vehicle subsystems. This role encompasses both the conceptual design phase and the transition to product release, ensuring that the products meet technical requirements for our artificial gravity space stations.

To qualify for the NX Designer position at Vast, candidates should have at least 7 years of relevant CAD and design experience, particularly in aerospace design. A solid understanding of mechanical engineering design, experience managing large CAD assemblies, and familiarity with ASME Y14 standards are also critical. Proficiency in Siemens NX and Teamcenter is preferred.

At Vast, we take a collaborative approach to design. As an NX Designer, you will be surrounded by an integrated team of technicians, engineers, and managers that foster open communication, which facilitates creativity and the sharing of ideas. We support our designers with ample resources, ongoing training, and a dynamic work environment that allows for growth and flexibility.

Success as an NX Designer at Vast hinges on several skills, including strong multi-tasking abilities, exceptional organizational skills, and clear communication. Additionally, having a high level of expertise in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and experience with tube routing and soft goods design will greatly enhance performance in this role.

The salary range for the NX Designer position at Vast varies based on experience level. For a Designer II, compensation ranges from $100,000 to $145,000, while a Senior Designer can earn between $135,000 and $170,000. For those at the Staff Designer level, salaries range from $160,000 to $200,000, with a comprehensive benefits package also included.

When answering this question, detail the specific CAD software you've used, particularly any experience with Siemens NX. Highlight your ability to create complex assemblies and how you manage drawing release and configuration processes in an aerospace context.

Discuss your methodology for analyzing trade-offs, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with other teams. Mention any tools or processes you use to document these trade-offs and how you ensure all parties are aligned on the final design decisions.

Share specific tools or software you use to track your projects, as well as your prioritization technique. Illustrating your ability to adapt to changes while keeping your work organized showcases your resilience and organization skills.

Mention your familiarity with ASME Y14.100, Y14.5, and Y14.41 standards and how they influence your design decisions. Provide an example of a project where adherence to these standards was critical to project success.

Discuss your previous roles where you were responsible for BOMs, highlighting how you tracked mass for design integrity. Explain any methodologies you employed to keep BOMs updated throughout the design lifecycle.

Describe your approach to receiving feedback—how you process it constructively and how you prioritize revisions. Offer an example from a past project where you successfully navigated quick changes while maintaining quality.

Emphasize your belief in collaboration as a cornerstone of design. Illustrate how you work closely with technicians, engineers, and management to bring ideas to fruition and how regular communication enhances innovative design.

Provide a detailed account of a specific project that demonstrates your project management skills. Focus on the challenges faced, how you overcame them, and the successful outcome, illustrating your capability to manage complexity.

Keep your response personal yet professional, citing your passion for aerospace, innovation, and an aspiration to contribute to the future of space exploration. Share any experiences that ignited this passion.

Detail the steps you take to maintain quality, from initial design validation to the final review before release. Discuss any quality assurance practices you implement to minimize errors and ensure compliance with specifications.