People Operations Associate

The posting, as Vast wrote it

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 People Operations Associate , reporting to the Senior Manager, People Operations , to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space stations. This role ensures accurate, compliant employee data and documentation throughout the employee lifecycle, with a focus on HRIS data management, separations, and Workers’ Compensation, while supporting international workforce operations, process improvement, and reporting.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, exercises sound judgment, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. At more senior levels, they operate independently, manage complex issues, identify risks, and drive scalable, compliant People Operations processes.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities

HRIS Data Integrity & Change Management — 30%

• Manage employee data and HRIS changes in Rippling, ensuring accuracy, documentation, and appropriate approvals
• Partner with the HRIS Associate to support workflows, reporting, system testing, and issue resolution
• Conduct regular data audits, resolve discrepancies, and partner cross-functionally to maintain accurate and compliant employee records

Separations, Termination Documentation & Offboarding — 25%

• Manage employee separations and terminations, ensuring timely completion of documentation, system updates, stakeholder coordination, and final pay requirements
• Own the Separation Agreement process, including preparation, approvals, signature tracking, deadlines, and record-keeping
• Partner with People Business Partners, Legal, and Payroll to ensure separation documentation and off-b

[…]
time

• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted
• Specific certifications, as appropriate

Pay Ranges

• People Operations Associate II: $92,000 - $131,000
• Senior People Operations Associate: $103,000 - $147,000

Pay Range: California
$92,000 — $147,000 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.

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.