Subcontracts Specialist, IT Support, Software

Socket.dev; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 186,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Generous paid time off

Parental leave

Disability insurance

Life insurance

401(k) retirement plan

ClassPass credits

Spring Health

Free meals and snacks

Job summary

Vast is seeking a Subcontracts Specialist, IT/Software, to support the design and build of artificial‑gravity space stations. This full‑time, exempt role is based in Long Beach and reports to the Director, Indirect Supply Chain.

You will coordinate IT subcontracting, source suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage the procurement lifecycle while ensuring compliance with policies and regulations. Travel up to 20% may be required.

Qualifications

• Experience negotiating software and IT contracts (pricing, lead times, favorable terms).
• Experience generating RFPs and managing delivery schedules.
• Experience in Indirect Procurement from demand to fulfillment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with stakeholders to identify IT needs and subcontracting strategies.
• Develop and execute IT supplier procurement strategies for cost effectiveness.
• Conduct market research to identify suppliers, evaluate capabilities and negotiate contracts.

Skills

Negotiate software/IT contracts

Generate RFPs

Indirect procurement

SaaS and hardware negotiations

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Business

Job description

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations 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. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. 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, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. 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 Director, Indirect Supply Chain, 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.
• Interface with key Vast Customers including IT, Protect, Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering and and senior leadership to understand the strategic direction, IT and Info Systems requirements and business priorities.
• Monitor supplier performance, resolve any issues or disputes, and enforce contract terms as necessary.
• Directly manage suppliers for Indirect spend, develop and utilize supplier scorecards, quarterly business reviews; measuring contract compliance and other key metrics to ensure targets/ schedules are being met and value is being delivered to the business.
• 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.
• Experience in all aspects of the Indirect Procurement process, from demand identification through fulfillment.
• Ability to negotiate for indirect products including, SaaS and hardware .
• Bachelor of Science degree in an Engineering or Business-related field or equivalent years of work experience.

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

• Subcontract Specialist, Indirect: $106,000- $151,000
• Senior Subcontract Specialist, Indirect: $131,000 - $186,000

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.