Site Lead, Protect

Vast; Mojave (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) plan

Meals provided

Snacks and drinks

Job summary

Vast is seeking a Site Lead, Protect to direct day-to-day security operations at our Mojave facility. You will lead a team of Security Officers, coordinate incident response, and manage access control, badge issuance, and contractor escorts while liaising with local agencies.

The role requires a CA BSIS Guard Card, 4+ years in security, and at least 1 year in a lead role. This full-time, non-exempt position offers comprehensive benefits and opportunities for growth within Vast’s expanding space

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid California BSIS Guard Card required or ability to obtain before employment.
• Four+ years of security operations experience, preferably in industrial/aerospace/manufacturing.
• One+ year in a lead, shift lead, or supervisory security role.

Responsibilities

• Lead shift operations, including post assignments, patrol schedules, breaks, and coverage adjustments.
• Serve as the first escalation point for Officers and escalate incidents to the Senior Security Supervisor.
• Act as on-scene lead during security incidents, coordinate response and liaise with local authorities as needed.
• Oversee access control, visitor verification, badge issuance, and contractor escorts; audit procedures.
• Review incident reports and logs for accuracy and timeliness; report to security management.
• Conduct patrols of buildings and critical infrastructure and ensure patrols are completed.
• Onboard, train, and mentor Officers on procedures, de-escalation, and report writing.
• Coordinate security support with other departments for events and high-visibility visits.
• Identify gaps in procedures or equipment and recommend improvements to the Senior Security Supervisor.
• Take on shift supervisory duties in the absence of the Senior Security Supervisor.
• Perform Security Officer duties as needed for coverage.

Skills

Team leadership

Incident response

Access control

Security procedures

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Guard Card (CA BSIS)

Tools

CCTV systems

Visitor management

Access control systems

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 Site Lead, Protect, reporting to the Senior Security Supervisor, to direct day-to-day shift operations, lead incident response, ensure access control and patrol procedures are followed consistently, and develop the officers on the team. The Lead Security Officer is the senior officer on shift and the first point of escalation for the security team at an aerospace facility. The Lead Security Officer sets the standard for professionalism, situational awareness, and customer service while enforcing security policies.

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

Responsibilities:

• Lead shift operations, including post assignments, patrol schedules, breaks, and coverage adjustments, to ensure all security functions are staffed and executed
• Serve as the first point of escalation for Security Officers, resolving routine issues on shift and escalating significant incidents to the Senior Security Supervisor
• Act as on-scene lead during security incidents, safety events, and emergencies, coordinating officer response and liaising with local law enforcement, fire, and EMS as needed
• Oversee access control operations, including visitor verification, badge issuance, and contractor escorts, and audit compliance with facility access procedures
• Review and approve incident reports, shift logs, and security documentation for accuracy, completeness, and timeliness before submission to security management
• Conduct patrols of buildings, perimeter areas, and critical infrastructure, and verify that officer patrols are completed to standard
• Onboard, train, and mentor Security Officers on post orders, procedures, report writing, and de-escalation, and provide performance feedback to the Senior Security Supervisor
• Coordinate security support with other departments for special events, launches of operational activity, and high-visibility visits
• Identify gaps in procedures, post orders, or equipment and recommend improvements to the Senior Security Supervisor
• Assume shift supervisory duties in the absence of the Senior Security Supervisor
• Perform Security Officer duties as needed to maintain coverage, and perform additional duties as assigned to support the overall security mission

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid California BSIS Guard Card or ability to obtain before employment
• Four or more years of experience in security operations, preferably in an industrial, aerospace, or manufacturing environment
• One or more years in a lead, shift lead, or supervisory security role

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and motivate a team of officers
• Experience leading incident response and coordinating with outside emergency services
• Prior BSIS or equivalent security training, such as de-escalation tactics, report writing, or defensive tactics
• Working knowledge of access control, visitor management, and CCTV systems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to review and produce clear, concise incident reports
• Sound judgment and the ability to make decisions independently under pressure
• Strong customer service skills with a professional and courteous demeanor

Additional Requirements:

• Must be available to work all required shifts, including overtime, weekends, and holidays, based on operational needs
• Ability to stand, walk, and conduct patrols for extended periods across various terrains
• Must be able to work in various climate conditions, including heat, wind, and cold

Pay Range: California $28 — $40 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.