Cost Accountant

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 May 2026. 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 Cost Accountant , reporting to the Assistant Controller , to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain accurate costs for aerospace parts and systems.


• Perform cost analysis for manufacturing projects, including labor, material, and overhead.


• Support pricing decisions, proposals, and contract bids by providing detailed cost estimates.


• Monitor and analyze cost variances and report findings to management and program teams.


• Ensure compliance with government contracting regulations including FAR , DFARS , and CAS .


• Track and allocate costs for R&D projects and capital expenditures.


• Work with Supply Chain and Engineering to monitor BOM (Bill of Materials) costs and changes.


• Assist in inventory valuation, physical inventory audits, and cycle counting processes.


• Collaborate in monthly and quarterly financial closings, including cost of goods sold (COGS) and margin analysis.


• Assist with revenue calculations for overtime revenue (ASC606)


• Ad-hoc tasks assigned by management

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or similar field


• 2-3 years experience directly related to cost accounting

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• 3+ years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment; aerospace industry strongly preferred.


• Familiarity with aerospace cost accounting standards, contract cost principles, and DoD/FAA compliance requirements.


• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and advanced Excel skills.


• CPA, CMA, or other relevant certification.


• Understanding of supply chain and production workflows.


• ASC606 overtime revenue

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time (Hawthorne & Mojave site)


• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones

Pay Range

• Cost Accountant II: $79,000 - $111,000


• Senior Cost Accountant: $97,000 - $115,000

Salary Range: California

$79,000 - $115,000 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, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, 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, 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.