Manager, Government Affairs

Job description

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 Manager, Government Affairs to lead and expand the company’s engagement across Congress, industry associations, and associated national security communities supporting Vast’s business development efforts with the U.S. Department of Defense. This role will drive policy, partnership, and congressional advocacy strategies to advance Vast’s initiatives to launch and operate the world’s leading commercial space stations in support of both civil and national security space objectives. This will be a full-time , exempt position located in our Washington D.C. location. Responsibilities: Strategic Support Support the development and execution of Vast’s government affairs strategy focused on national security space, including engagement with Congress and USG agencies. Collaborate across Legal, Programs, Engineering, Business Development, and executive leadership to align advocacy efforts with mission and programmatic priorities. Congressional & USG Engagement Build and maintain relationships with relevant Congressional offices, committees, and staff, particularly those overseeing defense, space, authorization, and appropriations matters. Support Vast’s Business Development engagement with USG agencies and the executive branch. Coordinate briefing materials, meeting preparation, follow-ups, and stakeholder tracking for congressional and agency engagements. Policy and Advocacy Monitor, analyze, and summarize U.S. defense policy, legislation, appropriations, and NDAA developments impacting commercial space capabilities. Prepare policy briefs, talking points, legislative summaries, and advocacy materials for internal and external use. Support written submissions for defense-related RFIs, trade reports, industry engagements, and legislative opportunities. Register or maintain registration as a lobbyist, as required. Program and Partnership Support Partner with Business Development to support DoD-related contracting opportunities, cooperative agreements, and strategic partnerships. Identify national security needs where Vast’s commercial capabilities can support resilience, mission assurance, space domain awareness, and broader defense space objectives. Provide policy support for defense-related technology initiatives, security reviews, and regulatory engagement. Minimum Qualifications: 3-5+ years of professional experience in government affairs, defense policy, congressional affairs, or national security space. Experience engaging Congress on defense, national security, or space-related policy and funding priorities. Experience working with or around the Pentagon, U.S. Space Force, or other national security stakeholders. Current registered lobbyist or willingness and ability to register as a lobbyist, as required. Understanding of congressional processes, including authorization, appropriations, and the NDAA. Excellent communication, analytical, collaboration, and interpersonal skills. Preferred Skills & Experience: Experience working on DoD space programs and policies. Experience with government contracting or government procurement. Relationships with relevant armed services, defense appropriations, space, and national security offices or committees. Ability to simplify complex concepts into straightforward and concise explanations. Comfortable operating outside areas of expertise and in new territory. Ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and schedules with professionalism. Self-starter with strong time-management and prioritization skills. Experience in commercial space, aerospace, defense technology, or national security innovation. Additional Requirements: Ability to travel up to 25% of the time Ability to obtain appropriate security clearance to support national security space programs Pay Range: Washington D.C. $139,000 — $197,000 USD We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply. 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. 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.