Staff Software Engineer, Mission Software

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

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

Responsibilities: 

• Develop new and optimize existing software codebases and systems which will be used to test, command, and monitor the Vast family of spacecraft
• Mentor junior ground software engineers to help build a strong and capable team
• Own the lifecycle of software, including rolling out to operations, managing configurations, maintaining and upgrading, and supporting end-users
• Configure and optimize automated testing and deployment systems
• Maintain and upgrade the ground systems that control our test sites and communicate with our spacecraft at the launch site and on orbit

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or STEM discipline; OR 9+ years of professional experience as a software engineer
• 7+ years experience writing full-stack web applications
• Experience writing and securing REST APIs
• Experience with database design, implementation, and security

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Proficiency using the command line, writing shell scripts, and an understanding of the GNU/Linux operating system
• Experience building applications in the cloud
• Enjoys end-user facing roles for support and interfacing with cross-functional teams
• Ability to work quickly and accurately in fast-paced environment during critical launch and mission operations
• Excellent communicator, both written and verbal
• Familiarity with Git
• Collaborative mindset
• Problem solver with a bias for action

Pay Range: California

$188,600—$267,720 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.