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.
Vast is looking for a Finance Operations Manager, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.
This role is designed for a highly strategic, finance-forward operator who can serve as an extension of the CFO in both internal and external initiatives. This individual will play a critical role in fundraising execution, investor engagement tracking, financial operations coordination, and executive-level communications, as well as provide CFO executive support.
The ideal candidate combines financial acumen, operational rigor, and strong executive presence. They are highly analytical, detail-oriented, and capable of managing sensitive information with discretion. They thrive in fast-paced, high-growth environments and are comfortable operating at both the strategic and tactical levels.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities:
Strategic & Financial Partnership
- Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CFO on company-wide financial priorities and operational execution.
- Sit in on finance, fundraising, and executive meetings to capture action items, track follow-ups, and ensure alignment against priorities.
- Help drive preparation and execution of fundraising processes, including investor tracking, diligence coordination, and timeline management.
- Maintain oversight of investor pipeline tracking, meeting logs, and engagement follow-ups.
- Support board and investor reporting cycles, including preparation of materials and coordination across Finance, Legal, and executive leadership.
Fundraising & Investor Relations Support
- Coordinate and track all investor interactions, including outreach, meetings, data room requests, and follow-ups.
- Manage fundraising project plans and ensure cross-functional deliverables are completed on time.
- Support diligence processes by organizing materials, coordinating internal stakeholders, and maintaining data rooms.
- Assist in crafting presentations and materials for investors, lenders, and strategic partners.
- Provide VIP support and experience to existing and prospective investor visits to Vast offices.
Financial Operations & Cross-Functional Execution
- Partner with FP&A, Accounting, Legal, and Business Operations to ensure CFO priorities are executed effectively.
- Improve internal processes that streamline information flow to the CFO and executive team.
- Track and manage critical finance-related initiatives, ensuring accountability across stakeholders.
Executive Operations
- Manage and optimize the CFO’s calendar and priorities to ensure time is aligned with highest-impact initiatives.
- Draft communications and prepare briefing materials for internal and external meetings.
- Ensure the CFO is fully prepared for board meetings, executive reviews, fundraising updates, and external engagements.
- Handle sensitive and confidential financial matters with discretion.
Minimum Qualifications:
- 5+ years of progressive experience in finance, investment banking, private equity, corporate development, strategic finance, or high-growth startup environments.
- Experience supporting senior executives in a strategic or operational capacity.
- Strong financial acumen and understanding of fundraising processes, capital markets, and financial reporting.
- Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
- Advanced proficiency in Google Workspace and/or Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel and PowerPoint).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Experience supporting a CFO, CEO, or senior finance executive.
- Direct experience in venture-backed or capital-intensive industries (aerospace, manufacturing, hardware, deep tech).
- Experience managing fundraising processes or investor relations.
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to synthesize complex financial information into executive-ready insights.
- Proven ability to operate in high-growth environments with shifting priorities.
- MBA or relevant advanced degree is a plus.
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to be on site 5 days per week at our Long Beach HQ.
- Willingness to work extended hours as needed to support fundraising cycles, board meetings, and critical milestones.
- Ability to travel occasionally to support investor meetings or company initiatives.
Pay Range
- Finance Operations Manager: $119,000.00 -$150,000.00
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: 100% 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.