People Operations 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 People Operations Associate, reporting to the Senior Manager, People Operations, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space stations. This role ensures accurate, compliant employee data and documentation throughout the employee lifecycle, with a focus on HRIS data management, separations, and Workers’ Compensation, while supporting international workforce operations, process improvement, and reporting.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, exercises sound judgment, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. At more senior levels, they operate independently, manage complex issues, identify risks, and drive scalable, compliant People Operations processes.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities:
HRIS Data Integrity & Change Management — 30%
Manage employee data and HRIS changes in Rippling, ensuring accuracy, documentation, and appropriate approvals
Partner with the HRIS Associate to support workflows, reporting, system testing, and issue resolution
Conduct regular data audits, resolve discrepancies, and partner cross-functionally to maintain accurate and compliant employee records
Separations, Termination Documentation & Offboarding — 25%
Manage employee separations and terminations, ensuring timely completion of documentation, system updates, stakeholder coordination, and final pay requirements
Own the Separation Agreement process, including preparation, approvals, signature tracking, deadlines, and record-keeping
Partner with People Business Partners, Legal, and Payroll to ensure separation documentation and off-boarding actions are accurate and compliant
Escalate complex or high-risk separation matters as appropriate
Workers’ Compensation — 25%
Manage Workers’ Compensation claims from injury reporting through return-to-work and claim closure
File claims and provide required employee notices and documentation within applicable deadlines
Serve as the primary People Operations contact for employees, managers, insurance carriers, EHS, and other stakeholders throughout the claims process
Coordinate return-to-work and modified-duty plans and maintain accurate, confidential, and audit-ready records
Monitor claims, deadlines, and trends and identify potential risks or process improvements
International Hiring & Workforce Support — 10%
Support international hiring and workforce administration, including employment documentation, contracts, onboarding, employee changes, and separations
Partner with internal teams and external vendors to support international workforce requirements and compliance
Maintain accurate global employee and contractor records in Rippling and flag potential compliance or operational risks
Process Improvement — 5%
Identify and implement improvements across People Operations processes, including employee changes, offboarding, Workers’ Compensation, international workforce administration, and compliance
Develop and maintain SOPs and supporting documentation to improve consistency, scalability, and audit readiness
Reporting & Cross-Functional Partnership — 5%
Partner with HRIS and cross-functional teams to provide operational metrics, compliance reporting, and audit support
Identify trends, gaps, and risks and provide actionable insights to People Operations leadership
Collaborate with People Business Partners, Payroll, Talent Acquisition, Finance, IT, Legal, EHS, and other teams to resolve operational issues and support People initiatives
Minimum Qualifications:
High School Diploma
3+ years of progressive experience in People Operations, HR Operations, HR Administration, or a related function. Candidates considered for the Senior People Operations Associate level should demonstrate deeper functional expertise, experience independently managing complex or sensitive employee matters, and a track record of improving or scaling People Operations processes
Hands-on experience managing employee data and employee actions in an HRIS; Rippling strongly preferred. This role requires an expert HRIS user, not a system administrator
Experience managing employee separations and termination documentation, including coordinating time-sensitive documentation, offboarding actions, and cross-functional requirements
Experience managing Workers’ Compensation claims, including intake, carrier coordination, claim administration, and return-to-work processes
Experience supporting international hiring or workforce administration, including employment documentation and employee changes
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
High level of discretion and ability to handle sensitive and confidential employee information with integrity
Advanced proficiency in Google Workspace, particularly Google Sheets, and/or Microsoft Excel for reporting and analysis
Clear communicator who works effectively across People Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, Payroll, Finance, IT, Legal, Environmental Health & Safety, external vendors, managers, and business leaders
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, or a related field
Experience preparing or managing Separation Agreements and supporting complex or high-volume employee separations and offboarding
Experience working with global employment partners, employer-of-record (EOR) providers, or international payroll providers
Experience supporting multi-location organizations
Familiarity with California employment practices and compliance requirements, including California Workers’ Compensation
Working knowledge of employment requirements outside the U.S
A track record of improving People Operations processes at scale, including documentation, data integrity, offboarding, Workers’ Compensation, or compliance processes
Project management experience
Additional Requirements:
Ability to travel up to 10% of the time
Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted
Specific certifications, as appropriate
Pay Ranges:
People Operations Associate II: $92,000 - $131,000
Senior People Operations Associate: $103,000 - $147,000
Pay Range: California
$92,000—$147,000 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