About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is about managing daily operations in a CNC machine shop, ensuring precision components are produced on time and to quality standards. You'll lead a team of machinists and technicians, tackle production challenges, and drive efficiency improvements. It's a hands-on management position focused on execution rather than high-level strategy.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in precision machining, preferably in aerospace or automotive, and at least 2 years in a leadership role. A proactive, problem-solving attitude and experience in fast-paced environments will help you thrive here.

Worth noting

The company is focused on developing space stations, which could be a unique opportunity for those interested in aerospace. The salary is quite high for this type of role, reflecting the specialized skills required.

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 Production Manager of Machining, reporting to the Director of Machining Operations, 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:

Own execution of daily machining production across CNC machine shop work centers, delivering precision components safely, on schedule, and to quality standards.
Lead machinists, technicians, and supervisors to hit aggressive throughput and delivery targets.
Rapidly identify machining constraints (tooling, programming, machine availability, inspection) and drive resolution with Manufacturing Engineering and CNC programming.
Drive improvements in cycle time, setup efficiency, machine utilization, and scrap reduction.
Maintain clear production visibility, escalate blockers quickly, and execute recovery plans to protect program milestones.

Minimum Qualifications:

5+ years of experience in aerospace, automotive, or other high-complexity precision machining environments.
2+ years leading machinists or production teams in a CNC machine shop.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Experience working cross-functionally with Manufacturing Engineering, CNC programming, and inspection teams.
Experience with CNC milling, turning, and multi-axis machining in high-precision environments.
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles and PFMEA.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings and production planning.
Experience scaling from development to higher-rate production.
Strong understanding of GD&T, machining tolerances, and inspection requirements for precision hardware.
Experience improving machine utilization, setup reduction, and tooling readiness.

Additional Requirements:

Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted.

Pay Range: California

$130,000—$180,000 USD

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.

Skills & Tags

go ai data product design

Aplyr's read

Vast is a cloud computing firm focused on scalable data solutions, attracting talent in engineering, integration, and recruitment roles.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Vast emphasizes scalability and performance in its cloud solutions, appealing to large enterprises.
•Recent hiring in diverse engineering roles suggests growth and technical innovation.
•Focus on talent development indicates investment in employee growth and retention.

What to watch

•Limited public information about financial performance may concern potential applicants.
•High specialization in roles might limit opportunities for generalists.
•Rapid expansion could strain existing resources and management structures.

Why Vast

•Vast's specialization in scalable cloud solutions sets it apart in the data management sector.
•Hiring in niche engineering roles like avionics and environmental testing shows a unique industry focus.
•Investment in talent development roles highlights a commitment to workforce advancement.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?