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 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 a Manager, Security Operations / Facility Security Officer (FSO), to support our Senior Director of Security & Intelligence.  This manager role will be responsible for the day-to-day physical security operations across our multiple facilities in addition to being the Facility Security Officer (FSO).  You will play a pivotal role in building out and implementing our clearance processes, managing personnel security clearances, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and contributing to secure operations. This role ensures we proactively protect, train, and provide safety to employees, visitors, assets, and critical infrastructure while aligning with both corporate objectives and federal security regulations.

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

Responsibilities: 

Physical Security Operations

• Oversee Vast’s security processes and operations across all locations, ensuring consistent implementation of security protocols and standards to reduce risk and respond to incidents
• Manage site-specific security teams, including vendor relationships and guard services
• Serve as the primary point of contact for security incidents, coordinating responses 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 in alignment 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 departments to ensure integration of physical security disciplines
• Hire, train, and mentor security staff, promoting a culture of customer service, professionalism, courtesy, responsiveness, and trust
• Conduct regular security risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and implement mitigation strategies
• Establish performance goals for security teams and continuously monitor progress
• Ensure completion of all required training, emphasizing professional development and supporting processes
• Conduct regular staff and team meetings to discuss goals, strategies, celebrate successes, and share best practices
• Oversee daily Security Officer operational staffing requirements and administrative functions

Facility Security Officer (FSO) Duties

• Act as the primary liaison from the Security team to assist with the clearance process, including compliance with regulations, security protocols required by customers or contracts, and stay aware of changing industrial security regulations
• Ensure compliance with security requirements, including the completion, dissemination, and tracking of DD254s
• Develop and work to implement the facility's security program in compliance with applicable government regulations
• Manage and oversee the personnel security clearance process, including initiation, maintenance, and termination of clearances
• Conduct security education, training, and awareness programs for eventual cleared employees
• Conduct security self-inspections, apply risk mitigation methodologies, support customer assessments, and implement security measures to meet requirements
• Prepare for and participate in security inspections, audits, and assessments conducted by government agencies
• Maintain accurate records of security-related activities, including visit authorizations, incident reports, and security violations
• Provide briefings and debriefings to employees holding clearances, and regular re-briefing of employees on foreign travel
• Report security incidents, violations, and adverse information to appropriate authorities in a timely manner
• Ensure proper marking, handling, storage, and destruction of eventual classified and sensitive materials
• Develop and implement procedures for handling foreign travel and contacts by cleared employees
• Stay current with changes to security regulations and implement necessary adjustments to the facility's security program

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Five (5) plus years of experience managing security teams, with at least three (3) years as a Facility Security Officer (FSO) or Contractor Special Security Officer (CSSO) supporting Department of Defense or Intelligence Community programs
• Experience as a certified FSO
• Experience leading an organization through the Facility Security Clearance (FCL) process
• Knowledge and experience going through DCSA audits
• 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

 

Preferred Skills & Experience: 

• Active Security Clearance, preferably Top Secret/SCI security clearance with in-scope polygraph
• 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

Pay Range: 

• Security Operations Manager: $96,500 - $160,000

Salary Range: California$96,500—$160,000 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, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, 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, 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.