Job Specifications
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 wor