Payroll Manager

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. Vast is looking for a Payroll Manager , reporting to the Director, Finance to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial‑gravity human‑rated space stations. The Payroll Manager is a critical member of our growing Finance team. The Payroll Manager will oversee the organization's global payroll procedures, ensuring payroll is delivered timely, accurately, efficiently and in compliance with regulations. This will be a full‑time, fixed‑term position located in our Long Beach location. Responsibilities Manage all payroll deadlines and monthly, semi‑monthly, bi‑weekly payroll tasks Ensure compliance with applicable laws and payroll tax obligations Coordinate timekeeping and payroll systems System maintenance support including new hire set up, tax form processing, local tax set up, timekeeping input, termination processing, garnishment processing, and verification of employment. Collaborate with Human Resources (HR) and accounting teams Oversee processing of payroll changes (e.g. new hires, terminations, raises) and system upgrades Manage workflow to ensure all payroll transactions are processed accurately and timely Understand state and federal new hire, leave of absence, and termination laws Produce audit reports, audit registers, and other reporting inquiries Resolve issues and answer payroll‑related questions Provide support to any project related activities from Finance and HR Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field required 5+ years of payroll processing with multi‑state experience required In‑depth understanding of payroll procedures, laws, taxes, and best practices Preferred Skills and Experience Familiarity with payroll software/HRIS (e.g. Rippling) and MS Office Experience with audit procedures, tax, and accounting practices is preferred Strong interpretation of company policies and procedures in a multi‑state payroll environment. Ability to thrive at a startup where you will have the opportunity to help create and optimize key systems and processes Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, time management and work prioritization Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment Ensures confidentiality and controls access to sensitive information Strong sense of accountability and integrity with excellent written and verbal communication skills Aerospace manufacturing experience is a plus Pay Range: California $50 — $71 USD Compensation and Benefits 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: 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. U.S. Export Control Compliance Status 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 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr