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 Subcontracts Specialist, IT/Software, reporting to the SVP of Supply Chain and Quality, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities:
- Coordinate with and lead internal stakeholders to identify IT needs, specifications/requirements and development of associated Subcontracting strategies.
- Develop and execute procurement strategies to source IT suppliers efficiently and cost-effectively.
- Conduct market research to identify potential suppliers, evaluate their capabilities, and negotiate contracts and agreements per RFQ/RFP guidelines
- Manage the entire procurement lifecycle, from supplier selection and contract negotiation to performance monitoring and contract renewal.
- Collaborate with IT and Legal teams to ensure contracts and agreements comply with company policies and relevant regulations.
- Monitor supplier performance, resolve any issues or disputes, and enforce contract terms as necessary.
- Seek alternate and innovative ideas to provide business solutions, challenge requirements and specifications to create competitive advantage
- Ensure all procurement activities are conducted in accordance with proper procedures and protocols. Track execution to sourcing and procurement plans for all projects per cost and timeline
Minimum Qualifications:
- Experience in negotiating software and IT contracts, including but not limited to, pricing, lead times and favorable= terms and conditions
- Experience in generating RFPs and managing delivery schedules
- Ability to negotiate for indirect products including, SaaS and hardware
- Bachelor of Science degree in an Engineering or Business-related field.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Experience with subcontracts, purchasing or contracts within an aerospace environment
- Negotiation skills with contracts exceeding $1 million with tight deadline requirements
- Demonstrated executive presence and communications, demonstrated experience in generating and conducting briefings 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:
- Subcontracts Specialist, IT Support, Software: $79,200 - $108,000
- Senior Subcontract Specialist, IT Support, Software: $109,000-$148,500
Salary Range: California
$79,000—$148,000 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, free catered meals and snacks and beverages, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.
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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