How to Apply to Vast

9 min read Last updated March 7, 2026 136 open positions
Blake Crosley
Blake Crosley Researched using publicly available information, hiring data, and ATS analysis.

Key Takeaways

  • Tailor every resume submission to the specific Vast role by incorporating exact terminology from the job description — Greenhouse's keyword filtering makes this essential, not optional
  • Prominently display your ITAR eligibility and any aerospace certifications (NDE, IPC, NASA-STD) in a dedicated section near the top of your resume to clear gating requirements immediately
  • Research Haven-1 and Vast's mission thoroughly before any interview — articulate specifically why building commercial space stations excites you and how your experience maps to that challenge
  • Quantify your aerospace achievements with hard metrics (defect rates, schedule performance, test throughput) to demonstrate you can deliver hardware on aggressive startup timelines
  • Complete every field in Vast's Greenhouse application including optional questions — thoroughness signals the attention to detail expected in human-rated spacecraft development
  • If you're transitioning from legacy aerospace or defense, proactively address your readiness for startup velocity in your cover letter or interview — frame past experience in terms of speed, adaptability, and hands-on contribution

About Vast

Vast is a pioneering aerospace company on a mission to build the world's first commercial space station, Haven-1, and contribute to humanity's long-term future in space. Founded by Jed McCaleb, the company is developing crewed orbital habitats designed to eventually replace the aging International Space Station and expand commercial access to low Earth orbit. Vast occupies a unique position in the rapidly growing commercial space sector, working alongside partners like SpaceX (whose Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft will launch and service Haven-1) to make extended human presence in orbit a sustainable reality. With approximately 136+ open openings spanning avionics, structures, thermal systems, manufacturing, and business operations, the company is scaling aggressively. Vast's culture reflects the urgency and ambition of a startup tackling one of engineering's grandest challenges — building a livable habitat in the vacuum of space. Employees commonly describe the environment as mission-driven, fast-paced, and deeply collaborative, where individual contributions have outsized impact on tangible hardware. The company attracts talent who want to work on problems that matter at civilizational scale, from designing crew interiors to qualifying flight-critical structures. For engineers, technicians, and business professionals who want their work to literally leave the planet, Vast represents one of the most compelling opportunities in the new space economy. The company's Long Beach, California headquarters places it in the heart of Southern California's aerospace corridor, surrounded by a rich talent ecosystem and supply chain.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Identify Your Role on Vast's Careers Page

    Browse Vast's careers page, which is powered by Greenhouse, to find roles aligned with your expertise. With 136+ open openings across disciplines — from avionics and structures to supply chain and PCB design — filter by department, location, or keyword. Pay close attention to role-specific requirements, as Vast's listings tend to be detailed about required certifications (such as NDE Level II or IPC standards) and years of experience.

  2. 2
    Prepare Your Tailored Application Materials

    Before submitting, customize your resume to mirror the specific language in the job description. Vast's roles are highly technical, so ensure your resume reflects relevant aerospace, defense, or space hardware experience using the exact terminology from the posting. Prepare a concise cover letter if the option is available — Vast's mission-driven culture means demonstrating genuine passion for commercial spaceflight can differentiate you.

  3. 3
    Submit Through Greenhouse ATS

    Complete the Greenhouse-hosted application form, which typically asks for your resume, contact information, LinkedIn profile, and may include role-specific screening questions. Answer every optional field — Greenhouse tracks completion rates, and fully completed applications tend to surface more favorably to recruiters. Double-check that your uploaded resume parses correctly by reviewing how your information populates in the form fields.

  4. 4
    Initial Recruiter Screen

    If your application advances, expect a 20-30 minute phone or video screen with a Vast recruiter. This conversation typically covers your background, interest in Vast's mission, salary expectations, work authorization, and logistical details like relocation to Long Beach if applicable. Come prepared to articulate why you want to work on commercial space stations specifically — not just 'in aerospace.'

  5. 5
    Technical or Functional Interview(s)

    Engineering and technician candidates commonly face one or more technical interviews focused on domain expertise — expect questions about spacecraft systems, manufacturing processes, materials science, or avionics depending on the role. Business and operations candidates may encounter case-style questions or scenario-based assessments related to supply chain management, program planning, or commercial strategy. Vast's lean team structure means you'll likely interview with the hiring manager directly during this stage.

  6. 6
    On-Site or Panel Interview

    Many candidates report a final on-site interview at Vast's Long Beach facility, which may include a tour of hardware and workspace. This round often involves meeting multiple team members and cross-functional stakeholders to assess both technical depth and cultural alignment. For hands-on roles like technicians and inspectors, a practical assessment or skills demonstration may be included.

  7. 7
    Offer and Background Check

    Successful candidates receive an offer typically communicated first verbally by the recruiter, followed by a formal written offer through Greenhouse. Given the nature of Vast's work, expect a thorough background check process. Some roles involving sensitive technologies may require additional screening or U.S. person verification under ITAR regulations.

Resume Tips for Vast

critical

Lead with Space and Aerospace Hardware Experience

Vast is building physical spacecraft, not software products. Prioritize experience with flight hardware, spacecraft subsystems, launch vehicles, or satellite components at the top of your resume. If you've worked at companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, Northrop Grumman, or L3Harris, make that context immediately visible. Even adjacent experience in defense or aviation hardware is highly relevant — just frame it in terms that translate to space systems.

critical

Mirror Vast's Job Description Terminology Exactly

Greenhouse's ATS uses keyword matching to help recruiters filter applications. If the posting says 'Environmental & Thermal Controls Systems,' use that exact phrase — don't paraphrase to 'HVAC' or 'climate systems.' Study each listing's requirements section and incorporate its specific language for skills, tools, and certifications throughout your experience bullets. This isn't keyword stuffing; it's speaking the company's technical language.

critical

Highlight Certifications and Compliance Standards

Multiple Vast roles require specific certifications — NDE Level II (per SNT-TC-1A or NAS-410), IPC-A-610/620, NASA-STD-8739 workmanship standards, or AS9100 quality system familiarity. Create a dedicated 'Certifications' section near the top of your resume and list every relevant credential with its current status. For roles like NDE Inspector, missing this section could result in automatic disqualification since these are non-negotiable requirements.

recommended

Quantify Manufacturing and Engineering Achievements

Vast is rapidly scaling manufacturing capabilities for Haven-1. Quantify your impact: 'Reduced weld defect rate by 34% across 200+ titanium assemblies' is far more compelling than 'Improved welding quality.' Include metrics around production throughput, test success rates, schedule compression, cost reduction, and hardware delivery milestones. Aerospace hiring managers at startups want evidence you can move fast without compromising quality.

recommended

Demonstrate Startup or Fast-Paced Environment Adaptability

Vast operates with the intensity of a venture-backed space startup, not a traditional aerospace prime contractor. If you've worked at SpaceX, Relativity Space, Rocket Lab, or similar high-tempo environments, emphasize that pacing. Highlight instances where you wore multiple hats, accelerated timelines, or built processes from scratch. Legacy aerospace candidates should proactively address their ability to thrive outside large-program bureaucracy.

recommended

Use Clean, ATS-Parsable Formatting

Greenhouse parses resumes effectively, but complex formatting can still cause issues. Use standard section headers (Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications), avoid tables or multi-column layouts, and save as PDF unless the application specifically requests .docx. Skip headers and footers for critical information like your name or contact details — ATS parsers sometimes miss content in these regions.

recommended

Include ITAR/EAR Eligibility Status if Applicable

Vast's work on spacecraft systems likely falls under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Many of their postings require candidates to be U.S. persons (U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or protected individuals). State your eligibility clearly near the top of your resume or in a 'Work Authorization' line to prevent any ambiguity — this can be a gating factor before a recruiter even reads your experience.

nice_to_have

Showcase Cross-Functional Collaboration on Hardware Programs

Building a space station requires extraordinary coordination across structures, avionics, thermal, life support, and interiors teams. Highlight projects where you worked across disciplines — for example, coordinating between design engineering and manufacturing, or between test teams and quality assurance. Vast's relatively lean headcount means engineers and technicians regularly collaborate across traditional silos, and demonstrating this experience signals culture fit.

ATS System: Greenhouse

Greenhouse is a structured hiring platform used by Vast to manage applications, coordinate interviews, and evaluate candidates through standardized scorecards. It parses uploaded resumes to extract key information and uses keyword-matching and recruiter-defined criteria to help surface qualified candidates from the applicant pool. Greenhouse also supports structured interview kits, meaning every interviewer at Vast likely evaluates you against the same pre-defined competencies.

  • Submit your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting while ensuring Greenhouse can parse text — avoid image-based or scanned documents
  • Use standard section headers like 'Work Experience,' 'Education,' 'Skills,' and 'Certifications' so Greenhouse correctly categorizes your information
  • Include exact keywords from the job posting — Greenhouse allows recruiters to search and filter by specific terms like 'spacecraft structures,' 'harness assembly,' or 'GD&T'
  • Complete every field in the application form, including optional fields — Greenhouse tracks application completeness and recruiters can filter by it
  • Avoid tables, text boxes, columns, or graphics that may confuse the parser and cause your experience to display incorrectly to reviewers
  • If re-applying for a different role, update your resume for that specific position — Greenhouse maintains your candidate profile across applications, and recruiters can see all your submissions
  • Answer screening questions thoughtfully and completely — these responses are often the first thing a recruiter reviews in Greenhouse's candidate scorecard view

Complete Greenhouse Resume Guide →

Interview Culture

Vast's interview process reflects the company's identity as a mission-driven aerospace startup building hardware on an ambitious timeline.

Expect a process that's rigorous but moves faster than traditional aerospace primes — many candidates report completing the full cycle in two to four weeks, though this can vary by role seniority and team capacity. For engineering roles (mechanical, structural, avionics, thermal), technical interviews typically involve deep dives into your hands-on experience with relevant systems. You may be asked to walk through specific projects you've worked on, explain design trade-offs, troubleshoot hypothetical failures, or whiteboard solutions to problems relevant to space station design. Interviewers want to understand not just what you did, but how you thought through problems and iterated under constraints. Technician and inspector roles — such as Avionics Test Technician, Environmental & Thermal Controls Systems Technician, and NDE Inspector — may include practical assessments or detailed questions about workmanship standards, tool proficiency, and quality processes. Be prepared to discuss specific inspection techniques, build procedures, or anomaly resolution from your prior work. For business and operations roles like Manufacturing Planner, Supply Chain, or Agency Crew Sales, expect scenario-based questions that test your ability to operate in a fast-moving, resource-constrained environment. These interviews commonly explore how you prioritize, manage vendor relationships, or navigate ambiguity. Cultural alignment matters significantly at Vast. Interviewers assess whether you're genuinely motivated by the mission of expanding human presence in space, whether you thrive in environments where processes are still being built, and whether you can collaborate effectively across disciplines. Demonstrating intellectual curiosity, ownership mentality, and comfort with rapid iteration will serve you well. Vast is building something that has never existed before — they want people who are energized, not intimidated, by that reality. Come prepared with specific questions about Haven-1's development status, team structure, or technical challenges to signal your genuine engagement with the mission.

What Vast Looks For

  • Direct experience with flight hardware development, spacecraft subsystems, or human-rated space systems — Vast prioritizes candidates who have touched real hardware, not just run simulations
  • Mission alignment and genuine passion for commercial spaceflight — the company's culture filters for people who deeply care about making humanity a spacefaring civilization
  • Ability to thrive in a startup environment with evolving processes, lean resources, and high expectations — prior experience at new space companies or fast-paced programs is a strong signal
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration skills — building a space station requires daily coordination between structures, avionics, life support, interiors, and manufacturing teams
  • Relevant industry certifications and compliance knowledge — particularly NDE credentials, IPC standards, NASA workmanship standards, and AS9100 familiarity for hands-on roles
  • Ownership mentality and bias toward action — Vast values people who identify problems and solve them proactively rather than waiting for direction in a traditional hierarchy
  • ITAR eligibility as a U.S. person — given the nature of spacecraft technology, this is a non-negotiable requirement for most positions

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Vast located, and are remote positions available?
Vast is headquartered in Long Beach, California, situated in Southern California's rich aerospace corridor. Given that the company is building physical spacecraft hardware, the majority of roles — particularly engineering, manufacturing, and technician positions — require on-site presence. Some business, program management, or support roles may offer hybrid flexibility, but this varies by team. Check each individual job listing on their Greenhouse-powered careers page for location requirements, and be prepared to discuss relocation if you're applying from outside the area.
How long does Vast's hiring process typically take?
Many aerospace startup hiring processes, including those at companies like Vast, typically span two to four weeks from initial application to offer. However, this timeline can vary significantly based on role complexity, team hiring urgency, and candidate availability. Highly specialized roles like NDE Inspector Level II or Manager of PCB Design may involve additional technical evaluation steps. After submitting through Greenhouse, candidates commonly hear back within one to two weeks if selected for a recruiter screen. Following up politely via email after two weeks is reasonable if you haven't received a response.
Does Vast require U.S. citizenship or ITAR compliance for all roles?
Given that Vast develops spacecraft technology that falls under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), most positions require applicants to be U.S. persons — defined as U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status. This is a regulatory requirement, not a company preference, and applies broadly across engineering, manufacturing, and technical roles. Some business or non-technical positions may have different requirements, but assume ITAR eligibility is needed unless the posting explicitly states otherwise. Always include your eligibility status on your resume to avoid delays in the screening process.
Should I include a cover letter when applying to Vast?
If Vast's Greenhouse application includes a cover letter upload field, use it — especially if you're transitioning from a different industry, lack direct spacecraft experience, or want to express your connection to the mission. A strong cover letter for Vast should be concise (under one page) and address three things: why building commercial space stations resonates with you personally, what specific experience you'd bring to this particular role, and why Vast specifically (versus SpaceX, Blue Origin, or other space companies). For highly technical roles where your resume clearly demonstrates fit, a cover letter is less critical but still a worthwhile differentiator.
What experience level does Vast typically hire for?
Vast hires across a wide experience spectrum. Their active listings include senior individual contributor roles (like NDE Inspector Level II and Manufacturing Engineer), management positions (Manager, PCB Design; Director, Agency Crew Sales), mid-level roles (Manufacturing Planner II, Mechanical Engineer), and entry-level pathways (2026 Summer Internship in Business & Supply Chain). They also maintain a 'Join Our Talent Network' option for candidates who don't see a current fit but want to be considered for future openings. Early-career candidates should emphasize internship or co-op experience with real hardware, relevant coursework in aerospace or mechanical engineering, and any hands-on project work.
How should I format my resume for Vast's Greenhouse ATS?
Use a clean, single-column PDF format with standard section headers: Work Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications. Avoid tables, multi-column layouts, graphics, or decorative elements that can confuse Greenhouse's parser. Keep your resume to one or two pages — aerospace hiring managers at startups value conciseness. Place your most relevant spacecraft or hardware experience in the top third of the document, and ensure certifications are listed in their own clearly labeled section. Test your formatting by pasting your resume into a plain text editor — if it reads coherently there, Greenhouse will likely parse it correctly.
What makes Vast different from other commercial space companies?
While companies like SpaceX focus on launch vehicles and Starship, Blue Origin on lunar landers and suborbital tourism, and Axiom Space on ISS-attached modules, Vast is building a free-flying commercial space station from scratch. Haven-1 represents one of the most ambitious commercial space habitats currently in development, designed for both private astronaut missions and research. This singular focus means employees work on an integrated, human-rated orbital system — touching everything from structural design to life support to crew experience. For candidates who want to directly shape what it means to live and work in orbit, Vast offers a uniquely focused mission.
Can I apply to multiple roles at Vast simultaneously?
Yes, Greenhouse allows you to submit applications for multiple positions, and Vast's recruiters can see your full application history within the system. However, apply strategically — submitting for every open role signals lack of focus and can work against you. Choose two or three positions where your qualifications are genuinely strong, and tailor each resume and cover letter to that specific role. If you're unsure which role is the best fit, consider joining Vast's Talent Network first, which allows recruiters to proactively match you to suitable openings as they arise.
How should I prepare for a technical interview at Vast?
Prepare to discuss specific hardware projects in deep technical detail — Vast's interviewers want to understand your hands-on contributions, not just your team's outcomes. For engineering roles, review fundamentals relevant to your discipline: structural analysis methods, thermal management approaches, avionics architectures, or manufacturing processes for aerospace-grade materials. Study Haven-1's publicly available specifications and be ready to discuss how your experience maps to the challenges of designing a crewed orbital habitat. For technician roles, be prepared to walk through specific procedures you've performed, standards you've worked to, and how you've handled workmanship discrepancies. Practicing the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for your most impressive technical accomplishments will help you deliver structured, compelling answers.

Sample Open Positions

Check Your Resume Before Applying → View 136 open positions at Vast

Related Resources

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Sources

  1. Vast Careers Page — Vast
  2. Vast Company Overview and Mission — Vast
  3. Greenhouse Recruiting - How It Works for Candidates — Greenhouse Software
  4. Vast Company Reviews and Interview Insights — Glassdoor