Subcontracts Specialist, IT Support, Software

About the company

Vast develops commercial space stations to support sustained human activity, research, and manufacturing in low-Earth orbit and beyond.

About this role

<div class="content-intro"><p>At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations 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. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. 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, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. 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.</p></div><p>Vast is looking for a <strong>Subcontracts Specialist,&nbsp; IT/Software</strong>, reporting to the<strong> Director, Indirect Supply Chain,</strong> to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.</p> <p>This will be a full-time,&nbsp;<strong>exempt</strong> position located in our <strong>Long Beach</strong> location.</p> <p><strong>Responsibilities:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>Coordinate with and lead internal stakeholders to identify IT needs, specifications/requirements and development of associated Subcontracting strategies.</li> <li>Develop and execute procurement strategies to source IT suppliers efficiently and cost-effectively.</li> <li>Conduct market research to identify potential suppliers, evaluate their capabilities, and negotiate contracts and agreements per RFQ/RFP guidelines&nbsp;</li> <li>Manage the entire procurement&nbsp; lifecycle, from supplier selection and contract negotiation to performance monitoring and contract renewal.</li> <li>Collaborate with IT and Legal teams to ensure contracts and agreements comply with company policies and relevant regulations.</li> <li>Interface with key Vast Customers including IT, Protect, Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering and and senior leadership to understand the strategic direction, IT and Info Systems requirements and business priorities.</li> <li>Monitor supplier performance, resolve any issues or disputes, and enforce contract terms as necessary.</li> <li>Directly manage suppliers for Indirect spend, develop and utilize supplier scorecards, quarterly business reviews; measuring contract compliance and other key metrics to ensure targets/ schedules are being met and value is being delivered to the business.</li> <li>Seek alternate and innovative ideas to provide business solutions, challenge requirements and specifications to create competitive advantage.</li> <li>Ensure all procurement activities are conducted in accordance with proper procedures and protocols. Track execution to sourcing and procurement plans for all projects per cost and timeline.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Minimum Qualifications:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Experience in negotiating software and IT contracts, including but not limited to, pricing, lead times and favorable terms and conditions.</li> <li>Experience in generating RFPs and managing delivery schedules.</li> <li>Experience in all aspects of the Indirect Procurement process, from demand identification through fulfillment.</li> <li>Ability to negotiate for indirect products including, SaaS and hardware .</li> <li>Bachelor of Science degree in an Engineering or Business-related field or equivalent years of work experience.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Preferred Skills &amp; Experience:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Experience with subcontracts, purchasing or contracts within an aerospace environment.</li> <li>Negotiation skills with contracts exceeding $1 million with tight deadline requirements.</li> <li>Demonstrated executive presence and communications, demonstrated experience in generating and conducting briefings to senior leadership.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Additional Requirements:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Ability to travel up to 20% of the time.</li> <li>Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Pay Range:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>Subcontract Specialist, Indirect: $106,000- $151,000</li> <li>Senior Subcontract Specialist, Indirect: $131,000 - $186,000</li> </ul><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="title">Pay Range: California</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$1</span><span class="divider">—</span><span>$2 USD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><p style="line-height: 1;"><strong>COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS<br></strong><br>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 &amp; 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.</p> <p style="line-height: 1;"