Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Vast
Job overview
The Senior Manager, Compensation at Vast leads the development and management of scalable compensation strategies to support the company's high-growth space exploration mission.
Responsibilities and impact
The role involves designing and managing compensation frameworks, leading annual compensation cycles, conducting market benchmarking, advising leadership on compensation decisions, ensuring compliance with laws, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Compensation and benefits
The salary range is $172,000 to $203,000 in California, with additional benefits including company equity, full medical/dental/vision coverage, paid time off, parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k), wellness perks, and free/subsidized meals.
Experience and skills
Candidates need 7+ years in compensation or total rewards, 3+ years managing teams, strong knowledge of compensation frameworks, analytical skills, and communication experience; aerospace or startup experience and automation skills are preferred.
Work environment and culture
Vast values a high-performance, high-growth culture with a committed team focused on safe, timely mission execution in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Company information
Vast is a space exploration company building artificial gravity space stations, aiming to launch the first commercial space station, Haven-1, in May 2026.
Team overview
The Senior Manager reports to the Senior Director of Total Rewards & People Operations, working closely with Finance, Legal, and People teams in a collaborative environment.
Job location and travel
The position is based in California with expectations for occasional evening or weekend work to support mission milestones.
Unique job features
This role offers a unique opportunity to impact compensation strategies at a pioneering space startup with innovative projects like commercial space stations and a mission-driven culture.
Company overview
Vast, also known as Vast Space, is a privately held American aerospace company headquartered in Long Beach, California. Founded in 2021 by entrepreneur Jed McCaleb, the company focuses on developing artificial gravity space stations to expand human habitation across the solar system. Vast operates a 115,000-square-foot facility for offices, manufacturing, and integration. The company aims to launch Haven-1, the world's first commercial space station, and has partnered with NASA to advance its technology. Vast generates revenue through space habitation technologies and related services, contributing to the growing aerospace economy in Long Beach.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight your expertise in designing and managing scalable compensation frameworks, including base pay, incentive programs, and equity, aligning with Vast's needs for a Senior Manager, Compensation.
Emphasize your experience leading compensation cycles, conducting market benchmarking, and advising senior leadership, showcasing your ability to drive business alignment and support high-growth cultures.
Apply through multiple channels such as Vast's corporate careers page and LinkedIn to maximize your visibility and increase your chances of landing the role.
Connect with current employees in Vast’s Total Rewards or People Operations divisions on LinkedIn; use ice breakers like asking about their experience working on compensation strategies at Vast or commenting on Vast’s mission to advance space habitats and how that inspires their work.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'compensation frameworks,' 'market benchmarking,' 'equity programs,' 'total rewards,' and 'compliance,' ensuring your resume passes automated screenings effectively.
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