Industrial Design Intern

Job Description

About Vast:

Vast’s ambitious mission is to foster a future where billions thrive in space. The company is at the forefront of developing next-generation space stations, aiming to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies. These stations are designed to enable advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, thereby unlocking a new space economy for a diverse range of customers including government, corporate, and private entities.

Vast employs an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost strategy for the rapid development of its multi-module Haven Station. A significant milestone was achieved in 2025 with the success of Haven Demo, establishing Vast as the only operational commercial space station company to have flown and operated its own spacecraft. The next major step, Haven-1, is anticipated to become the world’s first commercial space station upon its launch, with subsequent Haven modules planned to facilitate permanent human presence by 2030.

The Vast team is deeply committed to executing this mission safely and on time. The company invites individuals passionate about space exploration and eager to collaborate with top talent to join their journey.

Internship Program Overview:

Vast offers an enriching internship program providing hands-on opportunities to actively contribute to its mission. Interns are guided and mentored by industry experts who are responsible for designing and developing user-centered innovations that will shape the future of human spaceflight.

The Industrial Design Team:

The Industrial Design team is dedicated to enhancing the aesthetic appeal and overall experience of living and working in space, aiming for an elevated standard compared to previous stations like the ISS. Their focus includes innovating solutions for unique scenarios encountered in space, such as eating, sleeping, exercise, and scientific research.

Internship Details:

• Duration: 12 weeks
• Location: Vast HQ, Long Beach, CA (Onsite)

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with engineers to develop innovative real-world products.
• Create CAD models and prototypes to explore and refine design concepts.
• Translate ideas into clear visuals, sketches, and compelling presentations.
• Contribute to early-stage design thinking through research and ideation.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program from an accredited College or University in Industrial Design or a comparable major.
• Ability to work full-time onsite in Long Beach, CA.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with sketch communication.
• Hands-on prototyping skills.
• Experience with 3D CAD Software.
• Experience with 3D Rendering Software.
• Experience with presentation tools such as Google Slides.
• Experience with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

Pay Range (California):

• Bachelor’s: $35/hr
• Master’s: $40/hr

Compensation and Benefits (for Full-time Employees – Note: this is an internship post):

Base salary for full-time employees varies based on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. This salary is part of a comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity and access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including:

• 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
• Flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
• One Medical membership.
• ClassPass credits.
• Personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health.
• Other discounts and perks.

Vast also provides exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of the company’s commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS:

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls. Therefore, the individual must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

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.