Media Production Specialist (Fixed Term)

<div class="content-intro"><p>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.</p></div><p>Vast is seeking a <strong>Media Production Specialist</strong> to join its Media Production team, reporting to the <strong>Senior Manager, Media Production</strong>. 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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>This is an in-person role based in <strong>Long Beach, CA</strong> and starts as an <strong>3-month fixed-term-employment contract with the opportunity to extend.</strong></p> <p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Cinematography:</strong> Serve as camera operator across video productions ranging from scripted brand films and documentary content to executive interviews, hardware showcases, and live events.</li> <li><strong>Light Sets:</strong> Design and execute lighting setups for both solo-op and full-crew productions. Integrate as gaffer or DoP on larger sets as needed.</li> <li><strong>Pre-Production:</strong> Contribute to shot listing, lighting diagrams, storyboarding, and location scouting to ensure shoots are set up for success before the day.</li> <li><strong>Solo Operation:</strong> Execute run-and-gun, single-operator productions independently — managing camera, audio, and lighting without additional crew.</li> <li><strong>Capture Photography:</strong> Shoot product, hardware, portrait, and event photography as needed, maintaining the same standard of craft as video work.</li> <li><strong>Maintain Equipment:</strong> Oversee the care, prep, and organization of camera and lighting gear to ensure readiness across all productions.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Required Qualifications</strong></p> <ul> <li>4+ years of professional experience as a cinematographer, camera operator, or DoP across commercial, documentary, corporate, or brand content.</li> <li>Deep proficiency with professional camera systems (ARRI, RED, Sony FX/Venice, Blackmagic) and a strong working knowledge of exposure, color science, and lens theory.</li> <li>Hands-on experience designing and executing lighting setups — studio and on-location — with both large packages and available/limited resources.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>Strong eye for composition, movement, and visual storytelling — demonstrated through a portfolio that reflects range and intentionality.</li> <li>Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and tight timelines.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Preferred Qualifications</strong></p> <ul> <li>Experience shooting photography (product, hardware, portrait, events) in addition to video.</li> <li>Experience with high quality location sound capture and interview setups.</li> <li>Proficiency in photo retouching (Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop) and video editing (Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve).</li> <li>FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (drone operation).</li> <li>Bachelor's degree in Film, Cinematography, or a related field — or equivalent professional experience.</li> <li>Experience in a startup, tech, or aerospace environment.</li> <li>Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time.</li> <li>Flexibility to work overtime or weekends to support critical mission milestones.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Pay Range:</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p>Media Production Specialist I (Non-Exempt): $53/hr - $75/hr</p> </li> <li> <p>Media Production Specialist II (Exempt): $123,000 - $174,000</p> </li> </ul><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="title">Pay Range: California</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$110,000</span><span class="divider">&mdash;</span><span>$174,000 USD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><p style="line-height: 1;"><strong>COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS<br></strong><br>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 &amp; 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.</p> <p style="line-height: 1;"><strong><br>U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS<br><br></strong>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 <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-120.62">22 C.F.R. § 120.62</a> 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.<br><br></p> <p style="line-height: 1;"><strong>EQUAL OPPORTUNITY</strong><br><br>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.</p></div>