Supervisor, Machine Shop
How this pay compares
This posting states $99.3k–$141k a year. Open machinist jobs in California post a median of $126k a year, the middle half $115k–$146k, across 15 jobs that state their pay, so this one is within the middle half of what they post.
About the job
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 inLong 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 Supervisor,E-2 Machine Shop reporting to the Manager, Supply Chain, E-2, to create the world's highest performing engine for small launchers, while optimizing for production and low cost.
In this role, you will join a team with exciting momentum that has produced and successfully tested fully integrated engine development samples. You will be a key member who will help transition the system from development to production.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Hawthorne location. ## Responsibilities: - Lead and mentor a team of programmer machinists - Conduct daily team meetings to communicate goals and expectations - Coordinate work schedules and assignments to optimize productivity - Work closely with manufacturing planners for efficient scheduling and prioritization of jobs - Ensure aerospace industry quality standards are followed - Implement and oversee quality control measures - Continual optimization of machining processes for efficiency - Collaborate with engineering teams and other departments for process improvements - Coordinate repairs with the maintenance teams in a timely manner - Enforce safety protocols in the machine shop - Identify training needs for the team - Develop and foster strong relationships with upper management ## Minimum Qualifications - 7-10 years of experience in a manufacturing environment - Bachelors degree or equivalent in experience - Knowledge of machining processes, CNC equipment, software, and tooling ## Preferred Skills & Experience - Proven leadership abilities with a track record of team management - Previous experience in a supervisory role in a machine shop or manufacturing environment - Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies - Commitment to safety, quality, and adherence to standards - Ability to analyze data and implement process improvements - Willingness to adapt to changing priorities and drive innovation within the organization - Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make timely decisions - Effective communication and collaboration skills ## Additional Requirements - Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones - Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted Pay Range: California $99,318 - $140,983 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.
From Vast's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About Vast
Developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure.
Pay on its listings: 97.5% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on Vast's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
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