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Jobs · Writing · California

Media Production Specialist (Fixed Term)

Vast · Long Beach, CA · 2 wk ago
On-siteWriting$53–$75/hrContract

About the Role

Vast is seeking a Media Production Specialist to join its Media Production team, reporting to the Senior Manager, Media Production. The ideal candidate is a technically precise, visually driven filmmaker who brings both craft and adaptability to every shoot. This individual will serve as one of the team's camera operators across a range of content — from cinematic brand films and documentary-style shoots; to product photography, events, and social content — playing a central role in how Vast tells its story visually. This is a hands-on, individual contributor role for someone who identifies as a cinematographer first, but is comfortable expanding their contribution across production as the work demands. You'll operate independently on solo shoots and integrate as a collaborator on larger productions. The ability to move fluidly between roles — cinematographer, gaffer, photographer — without losing your eye or your standards is essential.

This is an in-person role based in Long Beach, CA and starts as a 3-month fixed-term employment contract with the opportunity to extend.

Responsibilities

  • Cinematography: Serve as camera operator across video productions ranging from scripted brand films and documentary content to executive interviews, hardware showcases, and live events.
  • Light Sets: Design and execute lighting setups for both solo-op and full-crew productions. Integrate as gaffer or DoP on larger sets as needed.
  • Pre-Production: Contribute to shot listing, lighting diagrams, storyboarding, and location scouting to ensure shoots are set up for success before the day.
  • Solo Operation: Execute run-and-gun, single-operator productions independently — managing camera, audio, and lighting without additional crew.
  • Capture Photography: Shoot product, hardware, portrait, and event photography as needed, maintaining the same standard of craft as video work.
  • Maintain Equipment: Oversee the care, prep, and organization of camera and lighting gear to ensure readiness across all productions.

Requirements

  • 4+ years of professional experience as a cinematographer, camera operator, or DoP across commercial, documentary, corporate, or brand content.
  • Deep proficiency with professional camera systems (ARRI, RED, Sony FX/Venice, Blackmagic) and a strong working knowledge of exposure, color science, and lens theory.
  • Hands-on experience designing and executing lighting setups — studio and on-location — with both large packages and available/limited resources.
  • Ability to operate as a solo shooter, small crew, or as part of a larger crew, adapting to each context without a drop in quality.
  • Strong eye for composition, movement, and visual storytelling — demonstrated through a portfolio that reflects range and intentionality.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and tight timelines.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience shooting photography (product, hardware, portrait, events) in addition to video.
  • Experience with high quality location sound capture and interview setups.
  • Proficiency in photo retouching (Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop) and video editing (Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve).
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (drone operation).
  • Bachelor's degree in Film, Cinematography, or a related field — or equivalent professional experience.
  • Experience in a startup, tech, or aerospace environment.
  • Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time.
  • Flexibility to work overtime or weekends to support critical mission milestones.

Pay

Media Production Specialist I (Non-Exempt): $53/hr - $75/hr

Media Production Specialist II (Exempt): $123,000 - $174,000

Pay Range (California): $110,000—$174,000 USD

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.

Benefits

  • Company equity for full-time employees.
  • 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 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.
  • Other discounts and perks.
  • Exceptional food perks: free snacks, drip coffee, onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals; subsidized lunch.

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls and must be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62.

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