Vast is looking for a
Technical Project Manager, reporting to the
Staff Technical Project Manager, Satellites, 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.
As Vast expands into high-power satellite buses, we need to execute with discipline. As our TPM, you'll be the engine behind cross-subsystem coordination - tracking action items, managing dependencies, owning the risk register, and making sure the right people have the right information to keep commitments. You'll work across every engineering subsystem and be deeply embedded in the program office, with the technical credibility to engage with engineers and the execution mindset to keep things moving.Responsibilities: - Own the program action item tracker and drive closure across all engineering subsystems and cross-functional partners
- Facilitate and lead recurring program execution meetings (weekly status, risk reviews, milestone look-aheads);publish clear meeting notes and follow-ups
- Maintain the program risk register; track mitigation actions and escalate unresolved risks to program leadership
- Manage cross-subsystem dependencies and surface conflicts before they impact the schedule
- Support milestone and program review readiness (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR) - coordinate inputs, track open items, and ensure artifacts are delivered on time
- Collaborate with the Master Scheduler to ensure execution status is reflected in the IMS
- Produce concise, accurate program status reports for internal leadership and external stakeholders
- Identify process gaps and build lightweight, repeatable project management infrastructure as the program scales
Minimum Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or related technical field
- 3+ years of experience managing cross-functional hardware development programs or projects
- Demonstrated proficiency with project tracking tools (JIRA, Smartsheet, Confluence, MS Project, or equivalent)
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams without dropping threads
- Technical background sufficient to engage with engineers on hardware development topics
Preferred Skills & Experience:- Demonstrated proficiency leading and executing a large satellite space program
- 3+ years of experience as a supporting engineer on a development program
- PMP certification
- Experience in aerospace, defense, or spacecraft hardware development
- Familiarity with satellite subsystems and spacecraft development lifecycle
- Exposure to EVMS and formal program reviews (PDR, CDR, etc.)
- Experience building PM processes at a startup or scaling organization
- Logical and strategic approach to solving problems
- Comfortable working in a high-stress environment balancing several projects at any given time, and the flexibility to adjust for abrupt changes in strategic direction.
Additional Requirements:- On-site presence in Long Beach required
- Ability to work extended hours around proposal deadlines and major program milestones
Pay Range: California
$164,900-$197,880 USD
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITSBase 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.
