Operations Specialist II Mission Operations Mojave, CA

Vast Space Llc.; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in compensation package

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off and vacation benefits

Free meals and snacks onsite

Job summary

Vast is seeking an Operations Specialist II to support testing sites in Mojave. This full-time, non-exempt role focuses on equipment moves, storage logistics, supplier coordination, and project support to keep our test sites safe and well-supplied.

You will manage BOMs, ensure cleanliness, handle gases and cryogenics, and collaborate with project managers. A DOT 49CFR certification and 4+ years in related ops functions are required.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in operations, facilities, logistics, safety, or a related hands-on support role.
• 2+ years in a start-up atmosphere or fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work in hazardous test environments (e.g., high hazard, explosive, or radioactive materials).
• DOT 49CFR certified.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to use hand tools.
• Time management.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Independently coordinate equipment moves and storage logistics.
• Obtain supplier quotes and assist with contractor selection.
• Coordinate onsite storage for excess equipment and supplies.
• Review floor plans and drawings to maximize space utilization for materials and equipment.
• Order, track, and manage supplies for assigned areas.
• Lead setup and coordination for small events.
• Serve as point of contact for specific operational projects or zones.
• Communicate timelines, scope, and status updates to project managers.
• Identify process improvements and operational gaps.
• Learn functionality of each test cell at test site to support safety officer duties.
• Work with and identify requirements for upcoming test projects and own BOM requisitions from cradle to grave to ensure materials arrive in a timely manner.
• As a steward of the test site, ensure all test areas are following cleanliness standards and are operating in a safe manner.
• Safe handling and delivery of gases and cryogenics to include the pickup and storage of empty storage vessels.
• Shared responsibility for both S&R and inventory functions across the test site to include managing COTS parts located at each test cell and within office spaces.
• Shared responsibility for ordering and restocking breakroom and sustenance in test areas.
• Complete other test site assigned tasks not listed above

Skills

Operations experience

Facilities

Logistics

Safety

Hands-on support

Education

DOT 49CFR certified

Tools

Microsoft Suite

Document management

Gas cylinder handling

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 an Operations Specialist II reporting to the Manager, Test Site Operations to support full capacity testing without disruption by identifying needs, mitigating shortages, hazardous goods handling, and support operations critical to building artificial-gravity human-rated space stations and world class rocket engines.

This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Mojave location.

Responsibilities

• Independently coordinate equipment moves and storage logistics
• Obtain supplier quotes and assist with contractor selection
• Coordinate onsite storage for excess equipment and supplies
• Review floor plans and drawings to maximize space utilization for materials and equipment
• Order, track, and manage supplies for assigned areas
• Lead setup and coordination for small events
• Serve as point of contact for specific operational projects or zones
• Communicate timelines, scope, and status updates to project managers
• Identify process improvements and operational gaps
• Learn functionality of each test cell at test site to support safety officer duties
• Work with and identify requirements for upcoming test projects and own BOM requisitions from cradle to grave to ensure materials arrive in a timely manner
• As a steward of the test site, ensure all test areas are following cleanliness standards and are operating in a safe manner
• Safe handling and delivery of gases and cryogenics to include the pickup and storage of empty storage vessels
• Shared responsibility for both S&R and inventory functions across the test site to include managing COTS parts located at each test cell and within office spaces
• Shared responsibility for ordering and restocking breakroom and sustenance in test areas
• Complete other test site assigned tasks not listed above

Minimum Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in operations, facilities, logistics, safety, or a related hands on support role
• 2+ year working in a start-up atmosphere or fast paced environment
• Ability to work in hazardous test environments (eg. high hazard, explosive, or radioactive materials)
• Ability to follow clear instructions, complete assigned tasks, and communicate issues promptly and clearly
• DOT 49CFR certified
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to use hand tools
• Time management
• Ability to lift 50 lbS

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite
• Document management
• Experience handing single and carriage gas cylinders
• Ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work varying shifts including weekends when required to achieve company goals

Pay Range: California

$28.53 - $39.18 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.

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.