Subcontracts Specialist, Indirect

About the Company 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 micro‑gravity 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. We are 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. Job Summary Vast is looking for a Subcontracts Specialist, Indirect, who will report to the Director of Indirect Supply Chain. This full‑time, exempt position is located in our Long Beach office and supports the development of systems required for the design and build of artificial‑gravity human‑rated space stations. Responsibilities Develop category‑specific strategies for Indirect (Facilities, Capital Equipment, and Services) to deliver high‑quality, low‑cost solutions for Vast Operations and Manufacturing customers. Interface with key Vast customers—including Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, and senior leadership—to understand strategic direction, capital requirements, and business priorities. Manage the procurement process (RFI/RFQ/RFP, negotiations, etc.) for Indirect projects, including supplier planning, execution, contract preparation, negotiation, and execution. Directly manage suppliers for Indirect spend (equipment, engineering & design, and construction), conduct category reviews through supplier scorecards and quarterly business reviews, and measure contract compliance and key metrics to ensure targets, schedules, and value are achieved. Ensure all sourcing activities are conducted in accordance with proper procedures and protocols, and track execution against sourcing and procurement plans for all projects relative to cost and timeline. Seek alternate and innovative ideas to provide business solutions, challenge requirements and specifications, and create competitive advantage. Minimum Qualifications Familiarity and experience negotiating contracts and terms and conditions, specifically AIA Agreements. Experience in all aspects of the Indirect Procurement process, from demand identification through fulfillment. Associate’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience). Preferred Skills & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Business or Engineering discipline. Experience with subcontracts, purchasing, or contracts within an aerospace environment. Negotiation skills with contracts exceeding $1 million with tight deadline requirements. Experience conducting presentations to senior leadership. Additional Requirements Ability to travel up to 20% of the time. Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones. Pay Range Subcontracts Specialist, Indirect II: $106,000–$150,000 Senior Subcontracts Specialist, Indirect: $130,000–$186,000 Compensation and Benefits Base salary will vary based on job‑related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full‑time employees also receive company equity and access to a full suite of 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 for non‑exempt staff with the ability to cash out unused vacation annually), paid parental leave, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental health care through Spring Health, and additional discounts and perks. Our food perks include free snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals, with lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s commitment to high‑quality meals. U.S. Export Control Compliance Status The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls and must be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22C.F.R.120.62, namely U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted and 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