Manager, Physical Security Systems & Technology

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, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low-Earth orbit in 2026. It is part of our stepping stone approach to continuous human presence in LEO. 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 Manager of Physical Security Systems & Technology, reporting to the Senior Director, Global Security & Intelligence, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities:

Security Technology Leadership

• Oversee architecture, design, and implementation of integrated security systems including:

• Access Control (e.g., Lenel, Genetec, Unifi, CCure): badge provisioning, permissions, and secure zone design.

• Video Surveillance (e.g., Milestone, Genetec, Avigilon): high-definition IP camera networks, coverage and layout plans, analytic-triggered alerts, and on-prem video storage solutions.

• Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): perimeter and internal breach sensors, motion detection, and alarm notification systems.

• Visitor Management Platforms: integration with access control, credential vetting, and real-time tracking.

• Integration of License Plate Recognition (LPR) into an enterprise system.

Project Management & Deployment

• Lead full lifecycle of security system projects - from requirements gathering and vendor RFPs to implementation and commissioning - across multiple facilities.

• Own site-specific security build-outs for minor and major retrofits, including blueprint review, hardware selection, and cable infrastructure coordination.

• Serve as the technical SME for systems troubleshooting, firmware updates, NVR configuration, storage redundancy, and video analytics tuning.

• Maintain system performance benchmarks and reporting dashboards across KPIs such as uptime, alert fidelity, access anomalies, and system audit trails.

Maintenance, Operations, and Support

• Administer centralized management of enterprise security tools: badge databases, camera license management, retention policies, and failover backups.

• Respond to urgent troubleshooting or forensic requests such as:

• Diagnosing and troubleshooting anomalies (downed readers/cameras, misconfigured readers, offline systems, etc.)

• Establish preventative maintenance schedules and spare parts inventories to maximize uptime across all systems.

• Manage integration and automation opportunities between platforms (e.g., linking alarm events to camera presets, layering camera views on building maps, user provisioning, access alerts via internal comms).

Governance, Risk, and Compliance

• Author and enforce standards for CCTV and access control across Vast’s facilities: minimum coverage areas, pixel density, storage duration, encryption, and compliance with data protection laws.

• Collaborate with Legal, Compliance, and Facilities teams to ensure all systems support operational needs and meet regulatory standards including ITAR/EAR.

• Evaluate new technologies and work to stay aware of what would benefit Vast, including AI-powered solutions, biometric authentication, LPR systems, drone detection, and more.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience managing physical security systems with specific expertise in enterprise CCTV and access control infrastructure.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Security, Information Systems, Engineering, or equivalent technical field.

• Certifications: PSP (Physical Security Professional), PMP, Genetec Security Center Certified, Milestone Advanced Certification, Lenel Onguard Expert, or CISSP.

• Proficiency with platforms such as Lenel, Genetec, Milestone, Avigilon, HID Global, and Axis Communications.

• Demonstrated success overseeing multi-site or global deployments with system architecture responsibilities.

• Deep understanding of networked security systems: VLAN segmentation, PoE devices, storage redundancy, and system hardening.

• Experience designing, commissioning, and installing security systems in partnership with electrical engineers, general contractors, and low-voltage integrators.

• Strong communication skills for stakeholder interaction, vendor management, and post-incident reporting.

• Familiarity with cybersecurity considerations related to physical systems: default credential management, firmware vulnerabilities, and system segmentation.

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or mission-critical environments with regulatory oversight.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work outside of normal business hours, or weekends to support critical mission milestones or perform work when others aren’t on property.

• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time.

• Positive, solution-focused attitude.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Salary Range: California
$120,000—$150,000 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: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, 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, 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.