--- title: 'Senior Mission Operations Engineer at Vast' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-mission-operations-engineer-vast-long-beach-california-r8r8vrzy0hvb' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-10' --- # Senior Mission Operations Engineer at Vast - **Company:** Vast - **Location:** Long Beach California, United States - **Compensation:** $137k–$195k - **Posted:** 2026-08-31 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-10 - **Apply:** https://boards.greenhouse.io/vast/jobs/4705137006?gh_jid=4705137006 ## 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 Senior Mission Operations Engineer reporting to the Senior Manager of Crew Operations & Training, to support the development of the systems required to enable and execute the delivery of the crew operations and flight controller and crew training programs needed for human-rated space stations. You are responsible for the planning and successful implementation of crew operations and technical training for our spacecraft missions. Here, you will work cross functionally with engineers from other disciplines from the early stages of spacecraft design through on-orbit decommissioning. The Senior Mission Operations Engineer, tasked functionally to the Crew Operations & Training team, is responsible for developing and testing the crew operations and preparing mission operations team and crew members for mission readiness, including developing and executing human in the loop testing campaigns, authoring crew procedures and training products, planning and executing classroom/mockups/simulation based training events, ensuring training programs run efficiently, and certifying the integrity and intent of formal training programs to support the future of commercial human spaceflight. This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location. Responsibilities: Training: - Develop technical crew training materials that serve both experienced government crew members and private customers new to spaceflight operations. - Develop technical training materials across all vehicle subsystems for flight controllers who will be operating the Haven-1 station. - Execute training simulations, including scenario construction, scripting and automation, testing and troubleshooting. - Plan end-to-end training flows and lead execution of technical training events in support of the certification of both astronaut crew members and members of the flight control team using a variety of environments and delivery platforms. Crew Operations: - Develop scalable human-in-the-loop testing processes for the verification and validation of human interface requirements. - Execute task analysis and human-in-the-loop testing for the development of crew operations, including ownership of the development and testing of all crew-facing procedures, using a variety of environments and delivery platforms. - Serve as a subject matter expert on human operation of a safety-critical system across all engineering disciplines such as analysis of crew loads, identification of human error risks and hazard controls, and development of user interfaces and displays. Cross-functional collaboration and integration: - Provide operational support as the operations expert in planning for and execution of pre-flight testing and checkouts to ensure training systems, spacecraft, and ground systems are capable to execute readiness campaigns and flight. - Work closely with Mission Management to ensure customer requirements (including but not limited to payloads, customer directed science, and other research activities) are translated to a Concept of Operations that balances all needs. - Work with engineers across disciplines to support the development of spacecraft operations training programs and crew operations procedures with intimate knowledge of ground procedures, flight rules, hazard reports and controls, products & processes; culminating in the safe & successful operations of a newly launched spacecraft and crew. - Identify areas for improvement of the training systems, Mission Systems, Mission Operations Software, and other ground system architecture features and processes, and collaborate with the Mission Systems Engineering & Mission/Ground Software Engineering teams to test, deploy, and maintain them. - Implement and iterate improvements to processes & systems with a focus on advancing Vast’s Mission Operations, Crew Operations, Training, and human in the loop testing approaches while maintaining Vast’s commitment to excellence. In support of future real-time mission operations from Mission Control: - Train for, certify, and execute as an Operator supporting Vast’s missions for uncrewed vehicle commissioning, uncrewed and crewed on-orbit operations, anomaly resolution, and final deorbit of spacecraft. - Perform routine analysis of vehicle telemetry and deliver informed summaries and recommendations to mission stakeholders as well as to other engineering disciplines for further review & analysis. Minimum Qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, software engineering, or other engineering discipline. - 2+ years of experience in the real-time operation and/or training development and delivery of complex spaceflight systems. - Experience building from scratch a system, processes, and team to perform complex operations and training for an aerospace system (launch vehicle, satellite, crew capsule). - Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with other engineering disciplines. - Demonstrated ability to critically think in high stress environments and rapidly evolving situations. - Ability to disseminate critical engineering & technical information effectively and clearly. - Strong communication, technical writing, and presentation development and delivery skills. - Willing to support 24/7 operations during mission critical phases. Preferred Skills & Experience: - 1+ years working in human factors engineering, human systems integrations, or user research and usability testing, preferably in a safety-critical industry such as human spaceflight. - Experience in human spaceflight mission operations. - Experience in crew and flight control team technical training development and execution/delivery. - Master’s degree in a technical field. - 1+ years working in a spacecraft design, build, and test environment. - 3+ years of experience in the operation and training of complex spaceflight systems, including demonstrated on-console competency. - Technical knowledge in spacecraft systems engineering (avionics, propulsion, attitude control, RF and/or optical communications, orbital mechanics, life support systems, thermal and power control systems). - Technical knowledge in Space-to-Ground Communication Systems (e.g., RF, Ground Stations, Modems, Antenna Systems). - Software Engineering and Language Skills (e.g., Git, C++, Golang, Markdown, Javascript, React, Matlab, Python/Octave, Software Architecture, Databases, Cloud). - Proficient at using command line interfaces and scripting languages associated with spaceflight ground systems. Additional Requirements: - Ability to travel up to 20% of the time. - Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones. Pay Range: California $137,000—$195,000 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](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-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. ## About Vast ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Aerospace, space infrastructure, commercial space stations - **Target customers**: B2B (government space agencies, research institutions, pharmaceutical/biotech companies, satellite operators), B2C (private astronaut missions) - **Mission or purpose statement**: “Our long-term vision is to create artificial gravity stations, allowing humanity to live and work in space without long-term harm to the body.” – Jed McCaleb ## Products & Services - **Haven-1**: The world’s first commercial space station, a single-module habitat launching in 2027 aboard a Falcon 9. Designed for 4-crew missions of up to 30 days, with microgravity research lab (10 payload slots), large window dome, always-on Wi-Fi, and Starlink laser communications. [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/) - **Haven-2**: A planned multi-module space station designed as a commercial successor to the ISS. First module (based on Haven-1 but stretched) to launch on Falcon Heavy in 2028, with full configuration of eight modules by 2032. Will compete for NASA’s Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) Phase 2. [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vast_(company)) - **Haven Demo**: A 500 kg demonstration satellite launched in November 2025, successfully tested communications, power, propulsion, and deorbit capabilities. Operated for three months before controlled reentry in February 2026. [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/) - **High-Power Satellite Buses**: Leveraging in-house space station technology, Vast has expanded into designing and building high-power satellite buses for commercial and government customers. [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/) ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed. However, the company raised $500M in March 2026 ($300M equity + $200M debt). [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vast_(company)) - **Key Metric**: Total funding to date – at least $500M (March 2026), plus prior undisclosed rounds led by founder Jed McCaleb. - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Balerion Space Ventures, IQT, Qatar Investment Authority, Mitsui & Co., MUFG, Nikon Corporation, Stellar Ventures, Space Capital, Earthrise Ventures, Jed McCaleb. Partners include SpaceX (launch provider, Starlink), Impulse Space (propulsion), AnySignal, TRL11, Addvalue, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, CASIS, UK Space Agency, European Space Agency, NASA (CCSC-2 agreement). [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vast_(company)) [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/) - **Growth Signals**: - Won the sixth commercial ISS astronaut mission contract (Feb 2026), with ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet as commander. - Signed multi-mission agreements with France (to ISS and Haven-1) and the Czech Republic (via ESA). - Completed primary structure of Haven-1 – the first U.S. space station flight article built in over 20 years. - Headcount grew from 606+ (Oct 2024) to “1000+ team members” by mid-2026. - Former NASA CEO Steve Isakowitz and veteran astronauts Andrew Feustel and Garrett Reisman joined as advisors/team members. [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/) [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vast_(company)) ## Competitive Advantages - **First-mover in commercial space stations**: Vast is the only operational commercial space station company to have flown and operated its own spacecraft in orbit (Haven Demo). - **Hardware-rich, low-cost approach**: Rapid iteration and in-house manufacturing enable faster development than competitors. - **Artificial gravity vision**: Long-term differentiator for human health in space – a key gap in current ISS and other station designs. - **Strong talent pipeline**: Leadership includes serial entrepreneurs (Max Haot, Jed McCaleb) and top SpaceX and NASA veterans (CTO Alex Hudson, COO Kris Young, astronaut Andrew Feustel). - **Strategic partnerships**: Deep relationships with SpaceX, international space agencies, and research institutions provide launch, funding, and mission opportunities. ## Strategic Focus - **Haven-1 launch and crewed missions**: Complete assembly, launch in 2027, and execute the first Vast-1 crew mission (4 astronauts, ~14 days). - **Haven-2 development**: Compete for NASA’s CLD Phase 2 contract (decision expected July 2026) to become a primary ISS replacement. - **Expand microgravity research network**: Partner with pharmaceutical, biotech, and materials science companies for in-space manufacturing and R&D. - **International expansion**: Secure additional government astronaut missions (France, UK, Czech Republic) and explore Indian launch capabilities. - **High-power satellite bus business**: Leverage in-house technology to capture commercial and defense satellite contracts. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: “All in” – bottom-up engineering, first principles, extreme ownership, rapid progress, and celebration of wins. Emphasizes respect, curiosity, and excellence. [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/careers) - **Benefits**: Long-term equity incentive, 401(k), generous PTO with annual cash-out, paid parental leave, comprehensive medical/dental/vision, subsidized meals, fitness memberships, and wellness benefits. [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/careers) - **Work environment**: In-office in Long Beach, CA. State-of-the-art 115,000 sq ft facility with manufacturing operations. - **Engineering culture**: Agile, risk-tolerant, and driven by passion for space. Team includes former SpaceX, NASA, and top aerospace engineers. - **Impact**: Directly building the future of long-term space habitation – a mission-driven environment with ambitious timelines and tangible results. ## Sources 1. [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/) 2. [vastspace.com/careers](https://www.vastspace.com/careers) 3. [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vast_(company)) 4. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/vastspace) ## Other roles at Vast - [Manufacturing Engineer, ECLSS](https://feeny.ai/job/manufacturing-engineer-eclss-vast-long-beach-california-645bcq27g1pc) — Long Beach California, United States - [Manufacturing Planner, Integration](https://feeny.ai/job/manufacturing-planner-integration-vast-long-beach-california-b7r9b3m9bx3a) — Long Beach California, United States - [Supervisor, Environmental Testing](https://feeny.ai/job/supervisor-environmental-testing-vast-long-beach-california-q9ynerjbm8m1) — Long Beach California, United States - [Mechanical Test Engineer II](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-test-engineer-ii-vast-long-beach-california-zabvn2h2197y) — Long Beach California, United States - [Quality Inspector](https://feeny.ai/job/quality-inspector-vast-long-beach-california-0wvkcgzja47e) — Long Beach California, United States - [RF Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/rf-engineer-vast-long-beach-california-5ynafbpc9bk3) — Long Beach California, United States - [Test Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/test-specialist-vast-long-beach-california-d36h0mq9rq6s) — Long Beach California, United States - [Avionics Test Technician II](https://feeny.ai/job/avionics-test-technician-ii-vast-long-beach-california-6bpmydz1ggs9) — Long Beach California, United States - [People Business Partner](https://feeny.ai/job/people-business-partner-vast-long-beach-california-966jzmxtfg0x) — Long Beach California, United States - [Avionics Senior Mechanical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/avionics-senior-mechanical-engineer-vast-long-beach-california-mpbht40qvmw3) — Long Beach California, United States