Technical Product Manager, Special Projects

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 Staff Technical Product Manager, Special Projects reporting to the Senior Manager of Information Systems, to lead and directly contribute to the design, development, and implementation of innovative technology solutions across the organization. This role sits at the intersection of technical product management, solution architecture and automation to deliver solutions that are critical to enabling Vast to scale as we design and build artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location Responsibilities Lead high-priority and special technology initiatives from problem definition and solution design through development, deployment, and ongoing supportPartner directly with stakeholders across CXO, Engineering, People, Legal, Operations, and other business functions to understand workflows, pain points, and technical requirementsLead the end-to-end development lifecycle for corporate information systems and act as the primary liaison between cross-functional teams, including HR, Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, and Environment, Health & SafetyTranslate ambiguous or complex business problems into practical, scalable technical solutionsDesign and develop custom internal tools, applications, integrations, and workflow automations, working within Vast's security, compliance, and architectural standardsRapidly prototype and evaluate new technologies and solution approaches to determine technical feasibility and business value before larger investments are madeIdentify opportunities to apply AI, automation, and emerging technologies to reduce manual effort, improve decision-making, and enable new business capabilitiesDevelop AI-enabled workflows and applications using large language models, APIs, retrieval techniques, agents, and other applicable AI technologiesDesign and support cloud-based solutions within AWS and AWS GovCloudDetermine when business needs are best addressed through configuration of an existing platform, automation or integration, a custom-built solution, or acquisition of a new productEstablish technical requirements, solution architecture, data flows, security considerations, testing plans, and support models for solutions developedCollaborate with Information Security, Infrastructure, Software Engineering, Data, and other technical teams to ensure solutions align with enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, and data governance standardsOwn testing, deployment, documentation, monitoring, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of solutions delivered through the roleBuild solutions with maintainability in mind, including appropriate documentation, source control, error handling, logging, monitoring, and knowledge transferManage project priorities, dependencies, risks, and stakeholder expectations across multiple concurrent initiativesDevelop technical roadmaps and recommendations for transitioning prototypes or lightweight solutions into scalable, production-ready enterprise capabilities when appropriateStay current on emerging technologies and identify pragmatic opportunities to introduce new capabilities into Vast's Information Systems ecosystem Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field. Equivalent professional experience may be substituted6+ years of experience in technical product management, business systems, software development, solutions engineering, systems integration, automation, or a related roleDemonstrated experience independently designing and delivering technical solutions from initial requirements through production deployment and supportHands-on experience developing workflow automations, system integrations, scripts, or lightweight applications using technologies such as Google Apps Script, n8n, APIs, scripting languages, AI platforms, or cloud servicesExperience working with REST APIs, JSON, webhooks, authentication mechanisms, and system-to-system integrationsWorking knowledge of at least one programming or scripting language such as JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, or similarStrong understanding of software development concepts, system architecture, data flows, and application integrationsAbility to translate business requirements into technical designs and explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholdersStrong project management and organizational skills with the ability to independently manage multiple initiatives and rapidly changing prioritiesExcellent written and verbal communication skill Preferred Skills & Experience Hands-on experience with Google Apps Script and the Google Workspace ecosystemExperience designing and maintaining workflow automations using n8n or similar low-code integration and automation platformsExperience developing solutions using AWS services, with AWS GovCloud experience strongly preferredExperience building applications or workflows utilizing generative AI, large language models, AI agents, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), or AI APIsExperience with cloud-native and serverless technologies such as AWS Lambda, API Gateway, S3, databases, queues, event-driven architectures, or similar servicesExperience with relational databases, SQL, data transformation, and data integrationFamiliarity with Git, source control, CI/CD, testing practices, observability, and modern software development workflowsExperience evaluating build vs. buy vs. integrate decisions and recommending solutions based on cost, scalability, complexity, maintainability, and business valueExperience working with enterprise platforms such as HRIS, LMS, ATS, EHS, QMS, or other business-critical systemsExperience with enterprise application platforms such as NetSuite, Manufacturo, Teamcenter, Jira, Confluence, or similar systemsUnderstanding of enterprise security, access control, data governance, and compliance requirementsExperience operating in regulated, aerospace and defense, manufacturing, or other technically complex environmentsStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with a bias toward experimentation, rapid iteration, and delivering practical solutionsComfortable operating in a fast-paced environment, balancing several projects simultaneously, and adapting quickly as business priorities change Additional Requirements Ability to travel up to 10% of the timeWillingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestonesAbility to lift up to 25lbs unassistedSpecific certifications, as appropriate Pay Range: California $156,000—$221,000.40 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. 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.