At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in May 2026. 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 Manager, Crew and Flight Controller Training, reporting to the VP, Mission Operations, to develop and execute the training required to ensure all crew are fully prepared for the physical, mental, and technical demands necessary to successfully execute their missions in space.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities:
- Develop training programs: Author and implement training curricula covering spaceflight operations, emergency procedures, and mission-specific tasks.
- Conduct training sessions: Lead classroom instruction, hands-on simulations, and practical simulations to teach crew and flight controllers about the spaceflight environment, mission, and vehicle operations. This includes emergency protocols and procedures, including spacecraft evacuation, medical emergencies, and contingency operations.
- Evaluate performance: Develop criteria for successful course completion and assess trainee performance through written tests, practical evaluations, and direct observation, providing feedback and additional training as necessary.
- Maintain training equipment: Ensure all training equipment and simulators are properly maintained and updated to reflect current mission requirements. Assist in the development of bespoke training equipment as necessary.
- Document and report: Maintain records of training progress and outcomes, highlight areas of concern and need for remediation, and prepare reports for senior management and mission planners.
- Collaborate with experts in other disciplines: Work closely with engineers, scientists, designers, medical professionals, and other technical and non-technical disciplines to integrate appropriate expertise and experience into each training session.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or related field
- 5 years of industry experience in a life–critical training role
- Familiarity with spacecraft systems
- Outstanding written and verbal communication and instructional skills
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Experience with human spaceflight missions
- Experience with teaching and/or training small groups on technical and practical topics
- Ability to make independent judgments with limited information
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment balancing several projects simultaneously
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to travel up to 20% of the time, potentially on short notice, including to other countries.
- Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
Pay Range:
- Senior Manager, Crew and Flight Controller Training IV: $180,000 - $200,000
- Director, Crew and Flight Controller Training V: $184,900 - $245,100
Salary Range: California
$180,000—$245,100 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: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, 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, 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 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.
What We Do
Vast is developing artificial gravity space stations to expand humanity across the solar system.
Vast’s mission is to enable large populations of humans to live and work in space, permanently.
Our solar system has the resources and room for humanity to thrive and expand without destroying Earth’s biosphere. Unlocking these resources requires in-space infrastructure and industry at an unprecedented scale.
We are building a world-class team to engineer the human experience in space.
Why Work With Us
We're developing artificial gravity space stations to expand humanity across the solar system in order to enable large populations to live and work in space. Not only is what we're working on groundbreaking, but the team prides itself on living by our values of respect, curiosity, action, and excellence making it a lot more fun to achieve our goal.
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