Manager, Space Food Systems

Vast is seeking a Manager of Space Food Systems to support our Human Systems team as we work to sustain life in low earth orbit. As the Manager of Space Food Systems, you will be responsible for researching, developing, and managing food system provisioning, production, and delivery to support crewed missions. You will work with internal and external teams including engineering, commercial partners, and government agencies to ensure safe and complete food systems to support astronauts in low Earth orbit missions.

Responsibilities: 

• Lead all efforts to develop and provide inflight food services for crewed missions in low Earth orbit
• Provide technical expertise as a space food system expert, and consult on safe space food systems practices
• Source, liaise, and establish relationships with industry professionals to create a sustainable food operations program
• Develop, improve, and produce foods for spaceflight
• Establish and conduct sensory evaluation sessions for acceptance testing and shelf-life trials
• Participate in crewmember food sessions and meetings to develop meals and snacks that meet individual crew member’s nutritional needs
• Attend and participate in industry conferences to stay up to date on space food innovation
• Support Vast food system development and maintenance; assesses crew food provisioning needs  for the duration of the mission onboard the space station
• Lead food provisioning activities including, food processing, flight packaging design, and collection of metrics

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, food engineering, or micro-biology discipline
• ServSafe food manager certification
• Experience in project management

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience in space flight food system development
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Experience in a commercial food production setting
• Demonstrated work experience in a culinary R&D environment
• Ability to take ownership of projects, and deliver results
• Professional or academic experience with nutrition 
• Experience working with vendors for ingredients and supplier sourcing
• Experience in food product design and packaging
• Strong knowledge of food science and safety practices