Contracts Manager

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in May 2026. 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 aContracts Manager to join our growing legal team, reporting directly to the General Counsel, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

This role will support customer contracts (both government and nongovernment) while Vast continues to design and build artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This role will focus on the entire contract lifecycle–from pre-award activity (30%) to contract management (50%). The remaining time will be spent on developing policies and assisting with other contractual work (20%).

This will be afull-time, exemptposition located in ourLong Beach location.

Responsibilities:

• Pre-Award Responsibilities such as supporting proposal preparation and RFI responses along with reviewing terms and conditions of customer contracts and coordinating with the Legal Department to finalize review, provide internal advice regarding risks, and prepare mitigation strategies
• As part of contract management, you will serve as the primary liaison with government customers, overseeing all contractual matters and preparing formal written communications.
• Internally message contractual obligations, to include writing contract summaries and briefing executive leadership, to ensure internal stakeholders understand applicable requirements throughout the life of the contract
• Manage contract changes and maintain system of record for contracts and associated documents, including customer correspondence
• Manage the contract close-out process for government and commercial contracts with Vast’s customers
• Ensure timely delivery of all contractual deliverables and submission of invoices
• Assist in identifying, developing, and implementing new contract policies and processes, including developing and providing training on the same
• Develop strong, ongoing relationships both internally and with Vast’s customers
• Assist with nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) and compliance trainings
• Willing to travel to meet with Vast’s customers or end users

This position may be filled at either a Level III or Level IV depending upon candidate qualifications and experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with FAR/DFARS/NFS
• Experience managing prime government contracts
• Bachelor’s degree (requirement may be met by candidate holding government contract certifications or having many years of directly relevant experience)

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience in the defense/aerospace/space industry
• Knowledge of computer applications and the ability to easily navigate through different computer software programs
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to make independent judgments with limited information
• Communication skills for relaying data (verbally and in-writing) between other employees and customers
• Logical and strategic approach to solving problems
• Comfortable balancing several projects at any given time and the flexibility to adjust for abrupt changes in strategic direction.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
• Willingness to work overtime or weekends to support critical mission milestones

Pay Range:

• Contracts Manager III : $116,400 - $145,500
• Senior Contracts Manager : $140,600 - $184,300