People Operations Associate

People Operations AssociateVast 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.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 approvalsPartner with the HRIS Associate to support workflows, reporting, system testing, and issue resolutionConduct regular data audits, resolve discrepancies, and partner cross-functionally to maintain accurate and compliant employee recordsSeparations, Termination Documentation & Offboarding — 25%Manage employee separations and terminations, ensuring timely completion of documentation, system updates, stakeholder coordination, and final pay requirementsOwn the Separation Agreement process, including preparation, approvals, signature tracking, deadlines, and record-keepingPartner with People Business Partners, Legal, and Payroll to ensure separation documentation and off-boarding actions are accurate and compliantEscalate complex or high-risk separation matters as appropriateWorkers' Compensation — 25%Manage Workers' Compensation claims from injury reporting through return-to-work and claim closureFile claims and provide required employee notices and documentation within applicable deadlinesServe as the primary People Operations contact for employees, managers, insurance carriers, EHS, and other stakeholders throughout the claims processCoordinate return-to-work and modified-duty plans and maintain accurate, confidential, and audit-ready recordsMonitor claims, deadlines, and trends and identify potential risks or process improvementsInternational Hiring & Workforce Support — 10%Support international hiring and workforce administration, including employment documentation, contracts, onboarding, employee changes, and separationsPartner with internal teams and external vendors to support international workforce requirements and complianceMaintain accurate global employee and contractor records in Rippling and flag potential compliance or operational risksProcess Improvement — 5%Identify and implement improvements across People Operations processes, including employee changes, offboarding, Workers' Compensation, international workforce administration, and complianceDevelop and maintain SOPs and supporting documentation to improve consistency, scalability, and audit readinessReporting & Cross-Functional Partnership — 5%Partner with HRIS and cross-functional teams to provide operational metrics, compliance reporting, and audit supportIdentify trends, gaps, and risks and provide actionable insights to People Operations leadershipCollaborate with People Business Partners, Payroll, Talent Acquisition, Finance, IT, Legal, EHS, and other teams to resolve operational issues and support People initiativesMinimum Qualifications:High School Diploma3+ 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 processesHands-on experience managing employee data and employee actions in an HRIS; Rippling strongly preferred. This role requires an expert HRIS user, not a system administratorExperience managing employee separations and termination documentation, including coordinating time-sensitive documentation, offboarding actions, and cross-functional requirementsExperience managing Workers' Compensation claims, including intake, carrier coordination, claim administration, and return-to-work processesExperience supporting international hiring or workforce administration, including employment documentation and employee changesStrong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracyHigh level of discretion and ability to handle sensitive and confidential employee information with integrityAdvanced proficiency in Google Workspace, particularly Google Sheets, and/or Microsoft Excel for reporting and analysisClear communicator who works effectively across People Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, Payroll, Finance, IT, Legal, Environmental Health & Safety, external vendors, managers, and business leadersPreferred Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, or a related fieldExperience preparing or managing Separation Agreements and supporting complex or high-volume employee separations and offboardingExperience working with global employment partners, employer-of-record (EOR) providers, or international payroll providersExperience supporting multi-location organizationsFamiliarity with California employment practices and compliance requirements, including California Workers' CompensationWorking knowledge of employment requirements outside the U.SA track record of improving People Operations processes at scale, including documentation, data integrity, offboarding, Workers' Compensation, or compliance processesProject management experienceAdditional Requirements:Ability to travel up to 10% of the timeWillingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestonesAbility to lift up to 25lbs unassistedSpecific certifications, as appropriatePay Ranges:People Operations Associate II: $92,000 - $131,000Senior People Operations Associate: $103,000 - $147,000Pay Range: California $92,000 —$147,000 USDWe calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.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 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.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