Manager, Security Operations

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 August 2025. 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 Manager, Security Operations, reporting to the Senior Director of Security & Intelligence.  This role is responsible for the day-to-day physical security operations across our multiple facilities, ensuring we proactively protect, train, and work to consistently improve our security.  This position ensures the safety of employees, visitors, assets, and critical infrastructure while supporting Vast’s mission.

This is an exempt position based out of our Long Beach, CA facility. 

Responsibilities: 

• Oversee Vast’s security processes and operations at all locations, ensuring consistent implementation of security protocols and standards with the purpose of reducing risk and responding to incidents.
• Manage site-specific security teams, including vendor relationships and guard services.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for security incidents and coordinating our response to minimize impact
• Support crisis management and emergency preparedness planning, to ensure readiness for incidents such as natural disasters and other emergencies.
• Develop, implement, and maintain physical security policies, procedures, and training programs to align with aerospace standards and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with corporate security policies and recommend improvements.
• Partner with our Security Technology team, IT, and cyber to ensure physical security disciplines are integrated with other departments.
• Hire, train, and mentor security staff, to promote a culture of professionalism, courtesy, responsiveness, and trust.
• Conduct regular security risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and implement mitigation measures and strategies.
• Establish performance goals for the security teams and continuously monitor progress. 
• Ensure all individual required training is completed, with a heavy emphasis on professional development and supporting processes. 
• Conduct regular staff and team meetings to discuss goals and strategy, celebrate successes, and share best practices.
• Oversee daily Security Officer operational staffing requirements and administrative functions.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• 4+ years of experience managing security teams in an industrial or similar environment, with at least 8 years of experience in security operations.
• Strong knowledge of physical security systems, access control, CCTV, and incident response.
• Proven track record managing vendor relationships and overseeing contract security personnel. 
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to travel between our multiple Southern California locations, Washington D.C office, and potentially to our overseas office locations.
• Valid California driver's license
• Current BSIS Guard card

Preferred Skills & Experience: 

• Prior experience with managing security teams in a controlled environment, including aerospace or high-risk industries.
• Advanced certifications such as the CPP, PSP, or similar.
• Familiarity with emergency management frameworks such as ICS and FEMA.
• Experience working in cross-functional environments and working with law enforcement of a local or federal scale.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with strong attention to detail 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, along with effective teamwork abilities 

Additional Requirements: 

• Willingness to work outside of normal business hours, or weekends to support critical mission milestones or perform work when others aren’t on property. 
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted
• Positive, solution-focused attitude
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Salary Range: California$87,300—$128,100 USDCOMPENSATION 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: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, free catered meals and snacks and beverages, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.

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.