Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and capital-efficient approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to support a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and supporting a growing space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to design, build, and operate its own spacecraft in orbit. Next, Haven-1 is targeted to become the world’s first commercial space station, with launch anticipated in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced two new offerings leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo: Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line; and Vast Lunar Systems, power, communications, and habitats for the Moon.

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 capable of manufacturing America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for Mars, dedicated modules for government partners, and other crewed systems designed to unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

Vast is looking for a People Operations Associate, reporting to the Senior Manager, People Operations, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space stations. This role ensures accurate, compliant employee data and documentation throughout the employee lifecycle, with a focus on HRIS data management, separations, and Workers’ Compensation, while supporting international workforce operations, process improvement, and reporting.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, exercises sound judgment, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. At more senior levels, they operate independently, manage complex issues, identify risks, and drive scalable, compliant People Operations processes.

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

Responsibilities

HRIS Data Integrity & Change Management — 30%

Manage employee data and HRIS changes in Rippling, ensuring accuracy, documentation, and appropriate approvals
Partner with the HRIS Associate to support workflows, reporting, system testing, and issue resolution
Conduct regular data audits, resolve discrepancies, and partner cross-functionally to maintain accurate and compliant employee records

Separations, Termination Documentation & Offboarding — 25%

Manage employee separations and terminations, ensuring timely completion of documentation, system updates, stakeholder coordination, and final pay requirements
Own the Separation Agreement process, including preparation, approvals, signature tracking, deadlines, and record-keeping
Partner with People Business Partners, Legal, and Payroll to ensure separation documentation and off-boarding actions are accurate and compliant
Escalate complex or high-risk separation matters as appropriate

Workers’ Compensation — 25%

Manage Workers’ Compensation claims from injury reporting through return-to-work and claim closure
File claims and provide required employee notices and documentation within applicable deadlines
Serve as the primary People Operations contact for employees, managers, insurance carriers, EHS, and other stakeholders throughout the claims process
Coordinate return-to-work and modified-duty plans and maintain accurate, confidential, and audit-ready records
Monitor claims, deadlines, and trends and identify potential risks or process improvements

International Hiring & Workforce Support — 10%

Support international hiring and workforce administration, including employment documentation, contracts, onboarding, employee changes, and separations
Partner with internal teams and external vendors to support international workforce requirements and compliance