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 Contracts Manager to join our growing legal team, reporting directly to the General Counsel, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.
This role will support customer contracts (both government and nongovernment) while Vast continues to design and build artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This role will focus on the entire contract lifecycle–from pre-award activity (30%) to contract management (50%). The remaining time will be spent on developing policies and assisting with other contractual work (20%).
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities:
- Pre-Award Responsibilities such as supporting proposal preparation and RFI responses along with reviewing terms and conditions of customer contracts and coordinating with the Legal Department to finalize review, provide internal advice regarding risks, and prepare mitigation strategies
- As part of contract management, you will serve as the primary liaison with government customers, overseeing all contractual matters and preparing formal written communications.
- Internally message contractual obligations, to include writing contract summaries and briefing executive leadership, to ensure internal stakeholders understand applicable requirements throughout the life of the contract
- Manage contract changes and maintain system of record for contracts and associated documents, including customer correspondence
- Manage the contract close-out process for government and commercial contracts with Vast’s customers
- Ensure timely delivery of all contractual deliverables and submission of invoices
- Assist in identifying, developing, and implementing new contract policies and processes, including developing and providing training on the same
- Develop strong, ongoing relationships both internally and with Vast’s customers
- Assist with nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) and compliance trainings
- Willing to travel to meet with Vast’s customers or end users
This position may be filled at either a Level III or Level IV depending upon candidate qualifications and experience.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience with FAR/DFARS/NFS
- Experience managing prime government contracts
- Bachelor’s degree (requirement may be met by candidate holding government contract certifications or having many years of directly relevant experience)
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Experience in the defense/aerospace/space industry
- Knowledge of computer applications and the ability to easily navigate through different computer software programs
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Ability to make independent judgments with limited information
- Communication skills for relaying data (verbally and in-writing) between other employees and customers
- Logical and strategic approach to solving problems
- Comfortable balancing several projects at any given time and the flexibility to adjust for abrupt changes in strategic direction.
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
- Willingness to work overtime or weekends to support critical mission milestones
Pay Range:
- Contracts Manager III : $116,400 - $145,500
- Senior Contracts Manager : $140,600 - $184,300
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
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What We Do
Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure 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 in 2026, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030.
With more than 1,000 employees at its Long Beach, California headquarters and over a billion dollars in private capital invested, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.
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