Policy & Government Relations Analyst

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 Policy & Government Relations Analyst , reporting to the Director Special Programs , to support the company's government affairs strategy through research, analysis, and coordination across local, state, and federal engagement. This role will play a critical part in strengthening Vast's presence in the commercial space sector, tracking policy and budget developments in Washington, and producing high-quality written materials that support Vast's broader government affairs and business development objectives. This will be a full-time , exempt position located in our Long Beach location. Responsibilities: 

Support Vast's local government relations strategy in Long Beach and the broader Southern California region, including engagement with city officials, local economic development organizations, and community stakeholders. Represent Vast at local government meetings, community events, and regional industry forums as needed. Conduct research and analysis on federal, state, and local policy, legislation, and regulatory developments relevant to Vast's business. Track and summarize the congressional appropriations process, budget cycles, and NDAA developments impacting commercial space priorities. Draft policy briefs, talking points, legislative summaries, and other written materials for internal and external use. Produce and maintain a recurring government affairs newsletter to keep internal stakeholders informed on relevant policy, legislative, and local developments. Support proposal writing efforts in coordination with Business Development, including narrative content related to government affairs and policy positioning. Support tracking and management of the federal budget, appropriations, and NDAA processes as they relate to Vast's priorities. Support staff outreach and scheduling for congressional, agency, and local government meetings, including coordination of logistics and follow-ups. Build and maintain an organized database of relevant contacts across local, state, and federal government, congressional offices, and industry stakeholders. Coordinate briefing materials and preparation for meetings with policymakers and government stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications:

Strong research, analytical, and writing skills, with the ability to translate complex policy topics into clear, concise materials. Excellent organizational skills with experience managing multiple projects, contacts, and deadlines. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Experience with or understanding of the congressional appropriations and NDAA processes. Experience in local government relations or community engagement, ideally within the Long Beach or broader Southern California region. Experience supporting proposal writing or business development efforts. Experience building and maintaining stakeholder or contact databases. Interest or experience in commercial space, aerospace, defense technology, or national security policy. Self-starter with strong time-management skills and the ability to adapt to shifting priorities

Additional Requirements:

Ability to travel occasionally to support local and federal government engagements. Ability to obtain appropriate security clearance, if required, to support national security space programs. Pay Range: California $90,000 — $128,000 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: 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.