Senior Subcontracts Specialist, Indirect

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 Senior Subcontracts Specialist, Indirect reporting to the Director of Indirect Supply Chain, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space stations.

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

Responsibilities:

Develop category specific strategies for Indirect (Facilities, Capital Equipment and Services) to deliver high quality and low cost solutions for Vast Operations and Manufacturing Customers

Interface with key Vast Customers including Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering and and senior leadership to understand the strategic direction, capital requirements and business priorities

Manage the procurement process – RFI/RFQ/RFPs, negotiations, etc. – for Indirect projects. Scope includes managing supplier planning and execution, coordination, contract preparation, negotiation and execution.

Directly manage suppliers for Indirect spend (including equipment, engineering design, and construction), category through supplier scorecards, quarterly business reviews; measuring contract compliance and other key metrics to ensure targets/ schedules are being met and value is being delivered to the business

Ensure all sourcing activities are conducted in accordance with proper procedures and protocols. Track execution to sourcing and procuring plans for all projects per cost and timeline

Seek alternate and innovative ideas to provide business solutions, challenge requirements and specifications to create competitive advantage

Minimum Qualifications

Familiarity and experience in negotiating contracts and terms and conditions, specifically AIA Agreements

Experience in all aspects of the Indirect Procurement process, from demand identification through fulfillment

Associates degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering , or related field (or equivalent practical experience)

Preferred Skills Experience

Bachelors of Science degree in Business or Engineering discipline

Experience with subcontracts, purchasing or contracts within an aerospace environment

Negotiation skills with contracts exceeding $1 million with tight deadline requirements

Experience in conducting presentations to senior leadership

Additional Requirements

Ability to travel up to 20% of the time

Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones

Pay Range: California

$131,200 $186,240 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: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, 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 onsite barista, 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 Emp…