Tax Analyst II

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 seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Tax Analyst II, reporting to the Director of Finance, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

You will assist with federal, state, and local tax filings, research tax implications related to new business activities, and support cross-functional initiatives to ensure compliance in a fast-growing, technically complex environment. This role is ideal for a tax professional excited to build in a high-growth, early-stage aerospace and manufacturing organization.

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

Responsibilities:

• Prepare and support federal, state, and local tax filings, including income, payroll, sales & use, property, and excise tax returns

• Complete quarterly and annual tax provision calculations and related journal entries

• Project manage components of the US federal income tax return, including participation in planning for and developing overall return calendar and coordination of timing and inputs with external tax firms

• Drive process improvements and coordinate with Info Systems team to facilitate streamlining and automation within the tax workflow

• Maintain a tax calendar to ensure deadlines are met and all filings are completed accurately and on time

• Perform tax research and analysis related to new markets, R&D credits, incentives, and evolving regulations

• Support external tax advisors and auditors with data requests and documentation

• Reconcile tax-related general ledger accounts and maintain tax workpapers and records

• Monitor changes in tax law and assess potential business impacts

• Partner with Accounting, Procurement, and Legal to validate tax treatment for vendors, materials, and international transactions

• Assist with ad-hoc tax projects, audits, and compliance initiatives as needed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

• 3–5 years of tax experience in public accounting or corporate tax

• Strong understanding of U.S. federal and state tax regulations

• Proficient with Excel/Sheets and tax research tools

• Excellent communication skills and ability to translate tax requirements to non-finance stakeholders

• High attention to detail, organization, and confidentiality

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• CPA, EA, or progress toward certification a plus

• Experience in manufacturing, aerospace, or government contracting

• Familiarity with NetSuite or similar ERP systems

• Experience with sales & use tax and indirect tax compliance

• Exposure to R&D tax credits, incentives, or international tax concepts

• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret and apply tax code and rulings

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time

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

Pay Range:

• Tax Analyst II: $73,000 - $110,000

Salary Range: California
$73,000—$110,000 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.