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 August 2025. 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 UX/UI Designer to join our team. Reporting to the Senior Director of Brand Design, you will play a crucial role in shaping user-centered designs for software applications that support space operations. You will work on a variety of projects, including mission operations software, on-station display interfaces, and internal data-analysis tools, all aimed at streamlining ground operations, improving safety, and enhancing the human experience in space.]
In this highly collaborative role, you will design intuitive, engaging user experiences. You’ll work closely with engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of designs across platforms. Your work will span the full design process—from wireframing to high-fidelity prototyping and user testing—and will include contributing to the development of reusable design systems to accelerate front-end development.
This will be a full-time, (exempt/non-exempt) position located in our (Hawthorne/Long Beach/Mojave) location.
Responsibilities:
- Design high-fidelity UI for mission operations, space manufacturing systems, and control interfaces, ensuring that designs are user-friendly and aligned with VAST’s design ethos.
- Collaborate with UX designers, engineers, and product managers to translate complex workflows and user needs into intuitive, visually compelling interfaces.
- Create wireframes, prototypes, and interactive designs to communicate design concepts clearly and test usability.
- Contribute to and maintain design systems that ensure consistency across all products and digital platforms.
- Conduct user research and usability testing to inform and iterate on designs.
- Present designs to stakeholders, incorporate feedback, and refine solutions to meet both user needs and technical requirements.
- Stay informed about design trends, industry best practices, and technological advancements to drive innovation.
Minimum Qualifications:
- 8+ years of experience in UX/UI design, with a portfolio demonstrating expertise in user interface design, information architecture, and interaction design.
- Proficiency with Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Experience developing component-based design systems.
- Strong understanding of user-centered design principles, accessibility best practices, and responsive design.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Experience designing software for technical environments, aerospace, or other mission-focused applications.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with experience managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Experience with facilities within an aerospace industry
- Familiar with space planning procedures and operations
- Knowledge of computer applications and the ability to easily navigate through different computer software programs
- Ability to create and update request for proposals (RFPs), purchase orders (POs) and facilities work orders in an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Ability to make independent judgments with limited information
- Communication skills for relaying data (verbally and in-writing) between other employees, vendors, and customers
- Logical and strategic approach to solving problems
- Ability to read and understand basic floor plans
- 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:
- Familiarity with modern front-end development technologies (e.g., React, TypeScript) and design-to-development handoff practices (e.g.,Storybook).
- Web design and development skills are a plu
Pay Range:
- Senior UX/UI Designer – 155,000-175,000
Salary Range: California
$155,000—$175,000 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, free catered meals and snacks and beverages, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.
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.
