Employee Relations Specialist

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station 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. 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 in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy. Vast is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist to support the Staff Employee Relations Manager in building and maintaining effective employee relations programs, processes, and practices that support a high-performing and inclusive workplace. As part of the People team, this role will support the management and resolution of employee relations matters, workplace investigations, policy administration, compliance activities, and employee relations reporting. The Employee Relations Specialist will partner closely with the Manager of Employee Relations, People Business Partners, Legal, managers, and employees to ensure employee concerns are addressed fairly, consistently, and in alignment with company policies and applicable employment laws. The ideal candidate is a thoughtful and highly organized employee relations professional with strong investigative, communication, and analytical skills. This individual should exercise sound judgment, maintain strict confidentiality, and be comfortable managing sensitive matters in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location. Responsibilities: Employee Relations & Investigations Support the Manager of Employee Relations in managing employee relations matters from intake through resolution. Conduct and support workplace investigations, including employee interviews, fact-finding, documentation, and analysis. Assist with complex and sensitive investigations involving workplace conduct, policy violations, performance concerns, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other employee relations matters. Ensure investigations are conducted objectively, consistently, and in accordance with company policies and applicable employment laws. Prepare investigation documentation, case summaries, timelines, and executive summaries for review by the Manager of Employee Relations and other appropriate stakeholders. Maintain accurate, thorough, and confidential employee relations case files. Support the development of appropriate recommendations for corrective action, disciplinary measures, and other resolutions. Track investigation outcomes and follow-up actions to ensure timely and consistent resolution. Escalate complex, high-risk, or legally sensitive matters to the Manager of Employee Relations and Legal as appropriate. Manager & Employee Support Partner with People Business Partners and managers to address employee relations concerns and promote consistent application of company policies. Provide guidance and support to managers on employee relations processes, workplace policies, documentation, and escalation procedures. Serve as a trusted and responsive resource for employees with questions or concerns related to workplace policies and employee relations processes. Help facilitate conflict resolution and support productive workplace relationships. Maintain professionalism, neutrality, and confidentiality when working with employees and leaders on sensitive matters. Policy & Compliance Support Support the Manager of Employee Relations in reviewing and maintaining employee policies and handbook provisions. Research federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations and help identify potential impacts to company policies and practices. Support compliance audits and assessments related to employee relations and workplace practices. Assist with communications and training related to employee relations policies and processes. Reporting & Risk Management Maintain employee relations data and case management systems to ensure accurate and timely reporting. Analyze employee relations cases to identify trends, recurring concerns, and potential areas of organizational risk. Prepare recurring reports and dashboards for the Manager of Employee Relations and People leadership. Assist with identifying proactive solutions to address employee relations trends and mitigate organizational risk. Support the development and improvement of employee relations processes, tools, and reporting capabilities. Minimum Qualifications: 3+ years of progressive experience in employee relations, workplace investigations, human resources, or a related field. Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated experience supporting or conducting workplace investigations. Working knowledge of federal and California employment laws and regulations, including EEO, ADA, FMLA/CFRA, FLSA, and wage and hour requirements. Experience handling confidential and sensitive employee matters with discretion and sound judgment. Preferred Skills & Experience: Strong investigative skills, including interviewing, fact-finding, documentation, and analysis. Experience working within an employee relations or HR case management system. Strong understanding of employee relations principles and workplace practices. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills. Ability to remain objective and exercise sound judgment when navigating sensitive situations. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple cases and priorities in a fast-paced, high-performing environment. Ability to establish credibility and build effective working relationships with employees, managers, and cross-functional partners. Experience working closely with Legal and People Business Partners on employee relations matters. Ability to identify patterns and trends in employee relations data and translate them into actionable insights. Additional Requirements: This role may require occasional travel for investigations, meetings, or other business needs. Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends occasionally to support critical mission milestones or urgent employee relations matters. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive employee and company information. We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply. 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. Pay Range: California $94,300–$133,860 USD #J-18808-Ljbffr