Payroll Administrator I

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 Payroll Administrator I, reporting to the Senior Payroll Manager, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

We are seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Administrator to support our Finance team in ensuring accurate and timely payroll operations. This role plays a critical part in maintaining compliance, supporting employees, and improving payroll processes in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

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

Responsibilities:

• Ensure the timely and accurate review, preparation, processing, and auditing of payroll, time and attendance, and compliance with all federal and state regulations

• Monitor and manage the payroll inbox, ensuring timely responses to employee inquiries regarding timekeeping, deductions, and tax withholding promptly and professionally

• Maintain and manage timekeeping systems and payroll data within HRIS platforms

• Prepare and distribute payroll-related documents to employees as needed

• Utilize payroll software, HRIS systems, and Excel for data entry, calculations, and analysis, including timekeeping system management

• Stay updated on payroll regulations, tax laws, and labor laws to ensure compliance

• Support the development and tracking of payroll metrics and reporting dashboards

• Provide ad-hoc analysis as requested by the Finance leadership team

• Assist with audits and provide necessary documentation and reports

• Suggest improvements to the payroll system and processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy

• Collaborate with People Operations, Finance, and other departments to maintain accurate employee data and ensure seamless payroll processes

Minimum Qualifications:

• 2+ years of payroll or related administrative experience

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment

• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and payroll/HRIS systems

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience with payroll platforms such as ADP, Paychex, Workday, Rippling, or Deputy

• Professional certification in payroll administration (e.g., Certified Payroll Professional, Fundamental Payroll Certification).

• Experience supporting payroll operations in a fast-paced or technical environment

• Ability to create and update request for proposals (RFPs), purchase orders (POs) and facilities work orders in an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software

• Comfortable working in a high-stress environment balancing several projects at any given time, and the flexibility to adjust for abrupt changes in strategic direction.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to travel occasionally (if required)

• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones

• Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted

Pay Range: California
$28—$40 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, 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.