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 Manager of Manufacturing, reporting to the Senior Vice President of Manufacturing, to support the development and manufacturing of artificial-gravity, human-rated space stations. This position will be responsible for leading a team in the manufacturing of subassemblies and subsystems for Haven, delivering to final integration in accordance with the program schedule. This is a high impact position and will require building out a new team in rapid fashion to support the Haven program.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities:
- Strategic Planning: Develop and execute a strategic vision for manufacturing operations aligned with the company's overall goals and objectives. Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and establish plans to achieve operational targets.
- Team Leadership: Manage a team of manufacturing professionals, including supervisors, manufacturing engineers, and technicians. Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to foster a high-performing and collaborative work environment.
- Manufacturing Process Optimization: Continuously improve manufacturing processes and workflows to enhance productivity, efficiency, and quality. Implement lean manufacturing principles and other industry best practices to streamline operations and reduce waste.
- Quality Assurance: Establish and maintain stringent quality control processes to ensure the highest level of product quality and reliability. Implement quality management systems, conduct audits, and oversee corrective and preventive actions to address non-conformances.
- Resource Management: Efficiently allocate resources, including manpower, equipment, and materials, to meet production demands while controlling costs. Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or safety.
- Supply Chain Collaboration: Collaborate with the supply chain team to ensure timely availability of materials and components required for manufacturing operations. Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure continuity of the supply chain.
- Compliance and Safety: Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements, industry standards, and safety protocols. Implement and maintain a robust safety program to protect employees and maintain a safe working environment.
- Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the manufacturing organization. Encourage innovation, implement new technologies, and explore automation opportunities to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
- Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Develop and monitor key performance indicators to track the progress of manufacturing operations. Prepare regular reports and presentations for senior management, highlighting performance, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, procurement, quality assurance, and program management, to ensure effective coordination and communication across departments. Engage with customers, suppliers, and external stakeholders as needed to address their requirements and concerns.
Minimum Qualifications:
- 5+ years of management experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or equivalent work experience.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Experience with new production introduction and transitioning from development to production.
- Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems for work order and quality control.
- Lean-sigma certification and implementation experience.
- Experience with a broad range of manufacturing processes including mechanical assembly, machining, welding, metal forming, orbital tube welding, and adhesive bonding.
Additional Requirements:
- Willing to work extended hours, and/or weekends as needed.
- Must be able to lift 25 lbs. unassisted.
Pay Range:
- Senior Manager of Manufacturing: $159,000 - $210,000
Salary Range: California
$159,000—$210,000 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.
What We Do
Vast is developing artificial gravity space stations to expand humanity across the solar system.
Vast’s mission is to enable large populations of humans to live and work in space, permanently.
Our solar system has the resources and room for humanity to thrive and expand without destroying Earth’s biosphere. Unlocking these resources requires in-space infrastructure and industry at an unprecedented scale.
We are building a world-class team to engineer the human experience in space.
Why Work With Us
We're developing artificial gravity space stations to expand humanity across the solar system in order to enable large populations to live and work in space. Not only is what we're working on groundbreaking, but the team prides itself on living by our values of respect, curiosity, action, and excellence making it a lot more fun to achieve our goal.
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