Space Hardware Supplier Reliability Lead

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. Manager, Supplier Reliability , reporting to the Director of Build & Supplier Reliability , to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This role will lead a team of Supplier Reliability Engineers responsible for ensuring suppliers are capable, controlled, and prepared to support the build of human-rated space station hardware. The Supplier Reliability Manager will drive supplier readiness, resolve supplier-related risks, and ensure supplier performance supports integration, test, and flight milestones. This will be a full‑time , exempt position located in our Long Beach location. Responsibilities Lead and develop a team of Supplier Reliability Engineers, establishing clear ownership by commodity or program and building the capability needed to support current and future vehicle production Own supplier reliability outcomes across assigned commodities, ensuring stable supplier performance, reduced escapes, and readiness to support build, integration, and flight schedules Develop and mature the people, processes, and systems required to move from reactive issue resolution to proactive supplier development, including supplier qualification, onboarding, performance management, and production readiness Drive implementation of transparent supplier metrics, scorecards, and review mechanisms, and use data to identify risk early, prioritize work, and improve supplier quality and delivery performance Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Mission Assurance to align supplier requirements, qualification methods, and acceptance criteria, ensuring suppliers are capable before hardware is released to build Lead supplier selection, qualification, and capability assessments, expanding and strengthening the qualified supply base across key commodities Oversee investigation and resolution of supplier nonconformances and delivery disruptions, ensuring timely root cause, corrective action, and verification of effectiveness Standardize supplier qualification, audit, and production validation methods to support consistent execution across programs and suppliers Ensure supplier performance data, qualification status, and risk visibility are accessible and usable by program, engineering, and procurement leadership Travel to supplier sites as required to support qualification, audits, readiness reviews, investigations, and recovery efforts Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field Experience leading a team of engineers Experience working with suppliers, manufacturing, and hardware development in aerospace, automotive, or other complex hardware environments Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test or inspection requirements Experience investigating hardware, process, or supplier-related issues and driving problems to resolution Strong cross‑functional communication skills and ability to work with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and external suppliers Willingness to travel to supplier sites as needed Preferred Skills & Experience Experience supporting flight hardware, space systems, launch vehicles, aviation, automotive, or other high‑reliability products. Familiarity with special processes such as welding, machining, coatings, composites, electronics, or complex assemblies. Experience with supplier qualification, audits, production readiness reviews, or new product introduction. Experience with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, or similar production validation methods. Experience developing supplier metrics, scorecards, or performance management systems. Experience building or improving processes, tools, or systems in a growing or fast‑paced production environment Experience driving root cause and corrective action with external suppliers using structured problem‑solving methods Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or structured problem‑solving methods (Black Belt certification is a plus) Experience in startup, rapid development, or production ramp environments Additional Requirements Ability to travel up to 50% of the time Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted Pay Range Manager, Supplier Reliability: $143,500 - $203,700 Senior Manager, Supplier Reliability: $164,000 - $232,800 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 100% 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 Vast