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 May 2026. 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 Space is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Shift Lead, Subassembly Manufacturing Technicians to oversee subassembly operations in our manufacturing facility. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day procedural work for other team members. Additionally, this role may involve mentoring junior technicians, troubleshooting complex issues, and helping standardize processes through the work center.
This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Long Beach headquarters.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead subassembly operations, including mechanical assembly and precision drilling.
- Interpret engineering blueprints, CAD models, and technical drawings.
- Work closely with engineering and production teams to implement process improvements and enhance manufacturability.
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations, quality control standards, and company policies.
- Collaborate with quality control teams to inspect finished parts and resolve discrepancies.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree or technical certification in manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
- Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications.
- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-precision manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in the aerospace or space technology industry.
- 5+ years of experience in mechanical assembly, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
- Strong understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and precision measurement tools.
- Knowledge of advanced manufacturing processes, including precision drilling, mechanical assembly, torque, and bonding.
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to travel occasionally to other sites to support critical mission milestones.
- Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.
Salary Range: California
$36—$50 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 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, 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, 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.
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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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