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 seeking a Senior Program Operations Engineer reporting to Director, Technical Projects, to lead operations and long range strategic planning and initiatives on behalf of the program team. You will work closely with cross-functional teams and define program requirements to align program goals and objectives to company operating plans. You will need to partner with adjacent development programs across the business to ensure plans are executable and attainable. Your primary responsibility is to ensure successful scaling of the business to ensure program success.

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

Responsibilities

Create and own the program manifest for Haven Station programs and all associated long range and strategic planning
Define and own the program operational requirements that drive company operational targets (headcount projections, CapEx projections, engineering development assets, etc.)
Work closely with stakeholders (Finance, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Facilities, People Teams, etc.) to achieve operational targets
Lead initiatives and projects to achieve program and operational targets. Prepare and generate the necessary analytics and dashboards; report progress on a regular basis (monthly and/or quarterly)
Apply first principles approach to problem solving, conflict resolution, and decision making
Demonstrate and lead with urgency across all initiatives

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, or related field
5+ years of demonstrated successful contributions in engineering, program operations, program or project management, or corporate and business strategy
Demonstrated successful contributions to end-to-end product lifecycle management
Experience with project management and reporting tools (i.e., MS Project, SmartSheet, JIRA, Confluence)
Demonstrated NPI expertise and understanding of product lifecycle management (from cradle-to-grave)

Preferred Skills & Experience

Master’s degree in engineering or related field. MBA with a focus on operations or strategy is a plus
Demonstrated examples in scaling a successful program or products to market as a technical contributor or lead
Demonstrated experience in fields of engineering, manufacturing operations, operations management, and business strategy
Familiarity with lean and six-sigma methodologies and business finance principles
Experience in transitioning products from low to high volume production. Delivery of aerospace, defense, or flight hardware is preferred but not required
Ability to think strategically and execute cross-disciplinary tactical plans