Media Production Specialist (Fixed Term)

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 seeking a Media Production Specialist to join its Media Production team, reporting to the Senior Manager, Media Production. The ideal candidate is a technically precise, visually driven filmmaker who brings both craft and adaptability to every shoot. This individual will serve as one of the team's camera operators across a range of content — from cinematic brand films and documentary-style shoots; to product photography, events, and social content — playing a central role in how Vast tells its story visually.

This is a hands-on, IC role for someone who identifies as a cinematographer first, but is comfortable expanding their contribution across production as the work demands. You'll operate independently on solo shoots and integrate as a collaborator on larger productions. The ability to move fluidly between roles — cinematographer, gaffer, photographer — without losing your eye or your standards is essential.

This is an in-person role based in Long Beach, CA and starts as an 3-month fixed-term-employment contract with the opportunity to extend.

Key Responsibilities

• Cinematography: Serve as camera operator across video productions ranging from scripted brand films and documentary content to executive interviews, hardware showcases, and live events.
• Light Sets: Design and execute lighting setups for both solo-op and full-crew productions. Integrate as gaffer or DoP on larger sets as needed.
• Pre-Production: Contribute to shot listing, lighting diagrams, storyboarding, and location scouting to ensure shoots are set up for success before the day.
• Solo Operation: Execute run-and-gun, single-operator productions independently — managing camera, audio, and lighting without additional crew.
• Capture Photography: Shoot product, hardware, portrait, and event photography as needed, maintaining the same standard of craft as video work.
• Maintain Equipment: Oversee the care, prep, and organization of camera and lighting gear to ensure readiness across all productions.

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years of professional experience as a cinematographer, camera operator, or DoP across commercial, documentary, corporate, or brand content.
• Deep proficiency with professional camera systems (ARRI, RED, Sony FX/Venice, Blackmagic) and a strong working knowledge of exposure, color science, and lens theory.
• Hands-on experience designing and executing lighting setups — studio and on-location — with both large packages and available/limited resources.
• Ability to operate as a solo shooter, small crew, or as part of a larger crew, adapting to each context without a drop in quality.
• Strong eye for composition, movement, and visual storytelling — demonstrated through a portfolio that reflects range and intentionality.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and tight timelines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience shooting photography (product, hardware, portrait, events) in addition to video.
• Experience with high quality location sound capture and interview setups.
• Proficiency in photo retouching (Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop) and video editing (Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve).
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (drone operation).
• Bachelor's degree in Film, Cinematography, or a related field — or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in a startup, tech, or aerospace environment.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time.
• Flexibility to work overtime or weekends to support critical mission milestones.

Pay Range:

• Media Production Specialist I (Non-Exempt): $53/hr - $75/hr
• Media Production Specialist II (Exempt): $123,000 - $174,000

Pay Range: California

$110,000—$174,000 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: 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.

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.