Communications Associate

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station 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. 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 in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy. Vast is looking for a Communications Associate, reporting to the Director of Communications, to support external communications and marketing across Vast’s programs including space stations, satellites, and lunar infrastructure. This will be a fixed-term position located in our Long Beach, CA location. The work is hands-on and includes responsibilities like project managing company announcements, pitching reporters, tracking news, and shepherding speaker submissions and award nominations. You will work with the rest of the Marketing team to ensure Vast’s external communications is cohesive, accurate and on brand. Responsibilities: * Draft and send media pitches for company news * Build and maintain media lists and reporter relationships across space, technology, and business beats * Field and log inbound media inquiries and route them to the Director with a recommended response * Monitor daily coverage of Vast, competitors, customers, and partners; flag items needing a same-day response * Own the annual calendar of conference speaking opportunities and industry awards, including deadlines, requirements, and outcomes * Draft speaker abstracts, executive bios, and award nominations; gather supporting data from engineering, program, and business development teams * Route drafts through technical, legal, and export-control review and track approvals to close * Maintain messaging documents and keep them current with company’s latest offerings and news * Manage timelines and status for communications projects and keep stakeholders informed of deliverables Minimum Qualifications: * 3+ years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, journalism, or an agency setting * Demonstrated media relations experience, including pitches that resulted in earned coverage * Writing samples across at least two formats (e.g., media pitch, press release, speaker abstract, award nomination) * Bachelor’s degree Preferred Skills & Experience: * Experience in communications within the aerospace, technology, or hardware industries * Familiarity with the space industry press, conference circuit, and major industry awards * Experience drafting speaker abstracts or award nominations that were accepted * Ability to translate technical engineering detail for general and trade audiences * Ability to make independent judgments with limited information and work with minimal guidance * Strong verbal and written communication skills for working across engineering, business development, legal, and leadership teams * Project management skills, juggling competing deadlines and ability to track down outstanding answers independently  * Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment balancing several projects at any given time, with the flexibility to adjust for changes in direction Pay Range: California $33—$55 USD We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply. 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: 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. 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.