Quality Manager

Long Beach, California, United States

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 Quality Manager, reporting to the Senior Manager of Quality, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. 

*Candidates that do not meet all of the qualifications & requirements for the managerial role may be considered at a Supervisor role as well*

The Quality Supervisor will oversee and coordinate all quality control and assurance activities within the production facility. This role is critical to maintaining the highest standards in product integrity, safety, and compliance across our manufacturing processes. The Quality Supervisor will lead a team of quality control inspectors, technicians, and auditors, ensuring that all products and services meet internal and external standards.

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

Responsibilities: 

Supervision and Leadership:

  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of quality inspectors supporting spacecraft manufacturing and integration.
  • Provide training and ongoing support to the quality team on quality standards, procedures, and tools.
  • Monitor team performance and provide feedback, coaching, and corrective actions when necessary.
  • Ensure the team adheres to schedules and meets production and inspection targets.

Quality Control & Assurance:

  • Oversee all quality inspections of incoming materials, in-process components, and finished products.
  • Coordinate the implementation of quality standards, procedures, and specifications across all production stages.
  • Ensure all products and processes comply with regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100) and industry best practices.
  • Ensure inspection readiness including equipment  and staffing capacity to support production ramp.
  • Support development and implementation of inspection strategies for complex hardware, including dimensional, visual, and integration inspections

Data Analysis & Reporting:

  • Compile and analyze quality data, including product defects, trends, and root causes.
  • Prepare and present detailed quality reports to upper management, highlighting performance metrics and areas for improvement.
  • Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and ensure that targets for quality, efficiency, and safety are consistently met.

Process Improvement:

  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives, working cross-functionally with operations, engineering, and other departments.
  • Identify and implement process improvements that enhance product quality, reduce waste, and increase operational efficiency.
  • Participate in root cause analysis and support problem-solving efforts for product failures or process inefficiencies.

Compliance and Documentation:

  • Ensure compliance with all internal and external audits, quality certifications, and regulatory standards.
  • Maintain and update quality documentation, including inspection plans, reports, and control charts.
  • Support the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for quality processes.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical field (or equivalent work experience).
  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience in quality assurance or quality control, preferably in a manufacturing or aerospace-related industry.
  • Previous experience leading or supervising a quality team is highly preferred.
  • Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and guide a team.
  • A proactive, results-driven approach to problem-solving and process improvement.
  • Ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Experience implementing or scaling quality systems in a fast-paced development environment.
  • Knowledge of AS9100, ISO quality systems, or aerospace regulatory frameworks.
  • Experience implementing risk-based inspection strategies and key characteristic control plans.
  • Familiarity with defect characterization methods for scratches, dents, surface damage, and structural imperfections.
  • Familiarity with manufacturing execution systems (MES), PLM systems, or quality tracking systems for traceability and nonconformance management.

Additional Requirements:

  • Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
  • Must be able to pass background check and gain access to government facilities 

Pay Range: 

  • Quality Supervisor:  $102,000 - $145,000
  • Quality Manager: $131,000 - $186,000
  •  

Pay Range: California

$102,000 - $186,000 USD

 
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.

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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 be considered for deemed export licensing. To assist Vast in assessing its export compliance obligations in relation to your application, please identify which ITAR/EAR status applies to you:

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