Space Food Safety Supervisor

Vast is looking for a(n) Food Safety Supervisor, reporting to the Space Food Systems Manager, 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:

• Create, implement, and maintain food safety programs based on regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, USDA, HACCP) and industry best practices
• Act as the primary authority on food safety practices and protocols within the organization
• Perform regular inspections and audits of facilities, equipment, processes, and documentation to ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulations
• Implement and oversee shelf life testing programs, determine product lifespan, and mitigate potential risks associated with expired products
• Conduct risk assessments and hazard analyses to identify potential food safety hazards (physical, chemical, biological) and develop strategies to mitigate risks
• Provide training and education to employees on food safety practices, procedures, and regulations. Ensure that all personnel understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining food safety
• Serve as a subject matter expert and mentor on food safety matters
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to food safety activities, including inspections, audits, corrective actions, and preventive measures
• Evaluate and monitor suppliers and vendors to ensure they meet food safety requirements. Conduct audits and assessments as necessary to verify compliance
• Identify opportunities for improvement in food safety practices, procedures, and systems
• Implement corrective actions and preventive measures to enhance overall food safety performance
• Implement and oversee environmental monitoring programs to detect and mitigate potential sources of contamination in the facility
• Collaborate with other departments to address food safety issues, implement corrective actions, and support continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure readiness for external audits and inspections by regulatory agencies and certification bodies. Coordinate responses and corrective actions as needed
• Develop and implement crisis management plans to respond effectively to food safety incidents, including recalls, contamination, or outbreaks
• Create, implement, and maintain food safety programs based on regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, USDA, HACCP) and industry best practices
• Act as the primary authority on food safety practices and protocols within the organization

Minimum Qualifications:

• 5 Years minimum of previous experience in a food safety role 
• Experience with aseptic processing, or similar high sanitary requirement food category 
• HACCP Certified, PCQI Certified 

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience with food safety within the aerospace industry 
• Familiar with shelf life study development sanitary food facility design
• Knowledge of food safety QMS systems and how to implement them
• Ability to create and update request for proposals (RFPs), purchase orders
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment 
• Ability to make independent judgments with limited information 
• Communication skills for relaying data (verbally and in-writing) between other employees, vendors, and customers 
• Logical and strategic approach to solving problems 
• Ability to read and understand basic floor plans 

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time 
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones 
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted