Manager, Supplier Quality
@ Vast

Long Beach, California, United States
On Site
Posted 4 days ago

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Job Details

About the Manager, Supplier Quality Role at Vast

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, starting with Haven-1, the world’s first commercial space station launching into low earth orbit in May 2026.

Role Overview

The Manager, Supplier Quality (at the Senior Manager or Director level) will report to the Senior Director of Quality and support the development of systems necessary for designing and building human-rated artificial-gravity space stations.

Responsibilities

  • Develop Vast Supplier Quality systems including requirements, processes, and talent development.
  • Implement tools and processes to ensure supplier improvements and first time quality.
  • Investigate and resolve supplier quality issues with audits, trend analysis, and continuous improvement projects.
  • Conduct capability assessments, onsite inspections, and lead multiple projects to completion.
  • Develop supplier scorecards, metrics, and analytical tools to quantify performance.
  • Ensure supplier compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with customers, stakeholders, and partners.
  • Participate in PPAP reviews, PPV verifications and APQP processes.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or related discipline).
  • Proven experience in developing and leading a team of Supplier Quality Engineers.
  • Strong experience in manufacturing inspection and acceptance of hardware.
  • Ability to interpret drawing specifications and measurement data for components and assemblies.
  • Understanding of MIL STD, ANSI, and ISO drawing standards.

Preferred Skills & Experience

  • Background in Product Production Line Validation and qualification of mechanical/fabricated products.
  • Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, and control plan processes.
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
  • Green/Black Belt certification is a plus.

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.
  • Availability to work evenings and/or weekends as needed.
  • Must be capable of lifting up to 25 lbs unassisted.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary ranges vary by level: Manager ($117,400 - $168,900), Senior Manager ($130,000 - $190,000), and Director ($155,000 - $220,000) with a total compensation package including equity, comprehensive medical benefits, PTO, and other perks.

U.S. Export Control & Equal Opportunity

Candidates must meet U.S. export control requirements. Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications.

Key skills/competency

  • Supplier Quality
  • Manufacturing
  • Aerospace
  • Inspection
  • Audits
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Lean
  • PPAP
  • APQP
  • Leadership
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How to Get Hired at Vast

🎯 Tips for Getting Hired

  • Research Vast's culture: Study their mission, projects, and benefits.
  • Customize your resume: Highlight supplier quality and engineering skills.
  • Showcase technical expertise: Emphasize Lean, APQP, and PPAP experience.
  • Interview preparation: Prepare examples of leadership in quality improvement.

📝 Interview Preparation Advice

Technical Preparation

Review PPAP and APQP guidelines.
Study Lean Manufacturing fundamentals.
Practice data analysis on quality metrics.
Brush up on inspection and audit processes.

Behavioral Questions

Describe leadership in supplier quality teams.
Explain handling supplier-related conflicts.
Discuss managing multiple quality projects.
Share experience with difficult supplier negotiations.

Frequently Asked Questions