At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in August 2025. 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 Senior Subcontracts Specialist reporting to the Manager, Global Sourcing, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities:

Responsible for subcontract management, including but not limited to, source identification and selection, RFP/RFI development and solicitation, proposal evaluation, negotiation, award, execution, supplier management and administration and closeout phases
Manage supplier schedules and progress, reporting of engineering deliverables, material procurement, fabrication, assembly and test, shipping preparation and shipment to Vast stakeholders
As part of a cross-functional team, candidate will monitor and manage schedule, cost, technical and quality performance of suppliers
Coordinate efforts with the Supplier Quality Representative (SQR) for all project related Supplier inspection activities and report status to Vast stakeholders
Proactively manage changes in scope (technical, quality, schedule) to suppliers and resolution of the effect of such changes on price, delivery or technical capability with the supplier
Coordinates and collaborates with key stakeholders such as legal, contracts, finance, planning, operations, program management, engineering, and quality to effectively manage subcontracts in the best interests of Vast
Responsible for providing guidance and expertise through subcontracting process and compliance requirements for other subcontract specialists

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science degree in an Engineering or Business-related field
Experience in managing and negotiating commercial and government subcontracts of varying contract types and complexities in the aerospace or manufacturing industry
Extensive experience in managing supplier performance

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Experience with subcontracts, purchasing or contracts within an aerospace environment
Negotiation skills with contracts exceeding $1 million with tight deadline requirements
Demonstrated executive presence and communications, demonstrated experience in generating and conducting briefings 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 Ranges:

$100,000 - $140,000

Salary Range: California

$100,000—$140,000 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: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 15 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, free catered meals and snacks and beverages, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.

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.

Senior Subcontracts Specialist

VAST

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