Production Specialist

Job description

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station 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. 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 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite , a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo. 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 required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy. Vast is looking for a(n) Production Specialist , reporting to the Director, Production , 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, non-exempt position located in our Long Beach location. Responsibilities: Process Improvement: Lead and support projects that improve production workflows, standardize processes, increase efficiency, and eliminate recurring operational gaps Hands-On Training: Develop and implement practical, hands-on training for production technicians to improve technical skills, cross-training, and overall team capability Department Support: Work directly with production managers to identify resource, process, and technical gaps, providing hands-on support to improve execution and meet production commitments Development and Flight Hardware: Flex between development builds and flight hardware production based on business priorities, understanding the different requirements for each environment Technical Execution: Apply practical experience in integration,Structures, testing, OTW, rolling, and welding to support production activities, troubleshoot issues, and help resolve technical blockers Standardization: Establish and improve work instructions, training materials, best practices, and repeatable processes across production departments Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Engineering, Quality, Test, and other support teams to resolve production issues and improve execution Operational Flexibility: Pivot between departments, projects, and technical responsibilities as priorities change, supporting the organization's most critical needs Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve technician utilization, reduce bottlenecks, strengthen cross-training, and minimize single points of failure Minimum Qualifications: Hands-on experience in a manufacturing, aerospace, or hardware production environment Preferred Skills & Experience: Experience supporting both development hardware and flight hardware production Practical experience in multiple areas, including integration, testing, OTW, rolling, and welding Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot technical issues and support production execution Experience improving manufacturing processes, work instructions, or standard operating procedures Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with technicians, supervisors, managers, and engineering teams Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work across multiple departments A proactive, self-directed approach to identifying problems and driving solutions Experience developing or delivering hands-on technical training Experience supporting production readiness, process development, and transition from development builds to flight hardware Experience with cross-training, skills matrices, and standard work Experience working in integration, test, or other hardware-intensive manufacturing environments Additional Requirements: Ability to travel up to 50% of the time Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted Specific certifications, as appropriate Pay Range: California $36.88 — $57.20 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.