Internal Audit Manager

About

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 an Internal Audit Manager, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer with a strong dotted line to the Controller & 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. This is a full‑time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities

Audit & Risk Management

• Lead risk assessments to develop the annual internal audit plan
• Execute risk‑based audits across financial, operational, and compliance areas
• Identify control gaps and provide actionable recommendations
• Monitor and report on emerging risks

SOX Compliance

• Manage walk‑throughs, control testing, and documentation
• Coordinate with external auditors to ensure efficient reliance
• Track and remediate control deficiencies

Internal Controls & Financial Reporting

• Evaluate the design and effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 6+ years of experience in internal audit, with meaningful experience in a publicly traded company environment
• Experience at or above the manager level within an internal audit function at a public company
• Strong experience with internal controls over financial reporting, risk assessments, and audit execution
• Experience supporting SOX compliance, SOX readiness, or public‑company control environments
• Strong understanding of approval workflows, segregation of duties, and process controls across core business functions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate risk, control gaps, and recommended actions to senior leadership
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment

Preferred Skills & Experience

• CPA, CIA, or related certification
• Experience reporting into or supporting an Audit Committee environment
• Experience building or maturing an internal audit function in a growing company

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay Range (California): $139,000 – $190,000 USD
• Base salary varies based on knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand
• Company equity for full‑time employees
• 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents
• Generous paid time off: up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff, up to 10+ days for non‑exempt staff, with annual cash‑out of unused vacation
• Paid parental leave
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks
• Food perks: free snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, dinner meals, and subsidized lunch

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 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.