Manager, Government Affairs

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 Manager, Government Affairs to lead and expand the company’s engagement across Congress, industry associations, and associated national security communities supporting Vast’s business development efforts with the U.S. Department of Defense. This role will drive policy, partnership, and congressional advocacy strategies to advance Vast’s initiatives to launch and operate the world’s leading commercial space stations in support of both civil and national security space objectives. This will be a full‑time , exempt position located in our Washington D.C. location. Responsibilities Strategic Support Support the development and execution of Vast’s government affairs strategy focused on national security space, including engagement with Congress and USG agencies. Collaborate across Legal, Programs, Engineering, Business Development, and executive leadership to align advocacy efforts with mission and programmatic priorities. Congressional & USG Engagement Build and maintain relationships with relevant Congressional offices, committees, and staff, particularly those overseeing defense, space, authorization, and appropriations matters. Support Vast’s Business Development engagement with USG agencies and the executive branch. Coordinate briefing materials, meeting preparation, follow‑ups, and stakeholder tracking for congressional and agency engagements. Policy and Advocacy Monitor, analyze, and summarize U.S. defense policy, legislation, appropriations, and NDAA developments impacting commercial space capabilities. Prepare policy briefs, talking points, legislative summaries, and advocacy materials for internal and external use. Support written submissions for defense‑related RFIs, trade reports, industry engagements, and legislative opportunities. Register or maintain registration as a lobbyist, as required. Program and Partnership Support Partner with Business Development to support DoD‑related contracting opportunities, cooperative agreements, and strategic partnerships. Identify national security needs where Vast’s commercial capabilities can support resilience, mission assurance, space domain awareness, and broader defense space objectives. Provide policy support for defense‑related technology initiatives, security reviews, and regulatory engagement. Minimum Qualifications 3-5+ years of professional experience in government affairs, defense policy, congressional affairs, or national security space. Experience engaging Congress on defense, national security, or space‑related policy and funding priorities. Experience working with or around the Pentagon, U.S. Space Force, or other national security stakeholders. Current registered lobbyist or willingness and ability to register as a lobbyist, as required. Understanding of congressional processes, including authorization, appropriations, and the NDAA. Excellent communication, analytical, collaboration, and interpersonal skills. Preferred Skills & Experience Experience working on DoD space programs and policies. Experience with government contracting or government procurement. Relationships with relevant armed services, defense appropriations, space, and national security offices or committees. Ability to simplify complex concepts into straightforward and concise explanations. Comfortable operating outside areas of expertise and in new territory. Ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and schedules with professionalism. Self‑starter with strong time‑management and prioritization skills. Experience in commercial space, aerospace, defense technology, or national security innovation. Additional Requirements Ability to travel up to 25% of the time. Ability to obtain appropriate security clearance to support national security space programs. Pay Range: Washington D.C. $139,000 – $197,000 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