Technical Project Manager

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 looking for a Technical Project Manager , reporting to the Senior Manager of Technical Projects, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This person will lead the cross-functional development and execution of the systems that will be required for the development of Haven-1 and future products.

This will be a full-time , exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities:

• Leverage technical experience to lead complex, multi-disciplinary projects from start to finish with extreme ownership, managing multiple critical development of hardware, software, and artifacts for product and mission success across departments, including electrical, mechanical, industrial design, and mission operations.
• Drive and support product development success by prioritizing safety and quality of product while maintaining a tight timeline and partnering with internal and external stakeholders.
• Act as a single point of contact for driving progress and managing scope, schedule, cost, and priorities across various technical development projects. Report status and risk to program stakeholders.
• Ensure schedules and program documents are complete, current and available for staff and leadership review using concise and effective communication.
• Apply first principles approach to problem solving, conflict resolution, and decision making.
• Demonstrate and lead with urgency across all initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field.
• 2+ years of demonstrated successful contributions in an engineering discipline (i.e. design, analysis, manufacturing, or similar).
• Demonstrated successful contributions to end-to-end product lifecycle management (e.g. evidence of delivering a product or initiative to market).
• Experience with project management and reporting tools (i.e., MS Project, SmartSheet, JIRA, Confluence)

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• M.S. degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field.
• 1+ years of cross functional technical leadership (i.e. project engineering, systems engineering, or engineering management).
• Demonstrated success in delivering at least one product to market as a technical contributor or lead.
• Demonstrated NPI experience or development and delivery of space flight hardware preferred.
• Experience and acumen across business units in addition to engineering disciplines.
• Ability to think strategically and execute cross-disciplinary tactical plans.
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time.
• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted
• Specific certifications, as appropriate

Pay Range:

• Technical Project Manager II: $123,000 - $174,600
• Senior Technical Project Manager: $133,000 - $190,000

Pay Range: California

$123,000—$190,000 USD

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.