Manager, Government Affairs

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 Manager, Government Affairs to lead and expand the company’s engagement across Congress, industry associations, and associated national security communities supporting Vast’s business development efforts with the U.S. Department of Defense. This role will drive policy, partnership, and congressional advocacy strategies to advance Vast’s initiatives to launch and operate the world’s leading commercial space stations in support of both civil and national security space objectives. This will be a full-time , exempt position located in our Washington D.C. location. Responsibilities: Strategic Support Support the development and execution of Vast’s government affairs strategy focused on national security space, including engagement with Congress and USG agencies. Collaborate across Legal, Programs, Engineering, Business Development, and executive leadership to align advocacy efforts with mission and programmatic priorities. Congressional & USG Engagement Build and maintain relationships with relevant Congressional offices, committees, and staff, particularly those overseeing defense, space, authorization, and appropriations matters. Support Vast’s Business Development engagement with USG agencies and the executive branch. Coordinate briefing materials, meeting preparation, follow-ups, and stakeholder tracking for congressional and agency engagements. Policy and Advocacy Monitor, analyze, and summarize U.S. defense policy, legislation, appropriations, and NDAA developments impacting commercial space capabilities. Prepare policy briefs, talking points, legislative summaries, and advocacy materials for internal and external use. Support written submissions for defense-related RFIs, trade reports, industry engagements, and legislative opportunities. Register or maintain registration as a lobbyist, as required. Program and Partnership Support Partner with Business Development to support DoD-related contracting opportunities, cooperative agreements, and strategic partnerships. Identify national security needs where Vast’s commercial capabilities can support resilience, mission assurance, space domain awareness, and broader defense space objectives. Provide policy support for defense-related technology initiatives, security reviews, and regulatory engagement. Minimum Qualifications: 3-5+ years of professional experience in government affairs, defense policy, congressional affairs, or national security space. Experience engaging Congress on defense, national security, or space-related policy and funding priorities. Experience working with or around the Pentagon, U.S. Space Force, or other national security stakeholders. Current registered lobbyist or willingness and ability to register as a lobbyist, as required. Understanding of congressional processes, including authorization, appropriations, and the NDAA. Excellent communication, analytical, collaboration, and interpersonal skills. Preferred Skills & Experience: Experience working on DoD sp…