Summer 2025 Internship - Business Development / Mission Management

As a Business Development / Mission Management Intern at Vast, you will assist in writing compelling government and commercial proposals. Your role will involve collaborating with various teams across the organization, including marketing and engineering, to ensure that our proposals meet compliance and competitiveness standards. You'll also have the chance to learn about project management execution, further enriching your experience in the space industry.

To be considered for the Summer 2025 Internship at Vast, candidates must be enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master’s degree program in disciplines such as Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Business. Additionally, having experience in technical writing along with hands-on project experience or exposure to the space industry will enhance your application and prepare you for this exciting role.

Interns at Vast can expect a vibrant and collaborative work environment in Long Beach, CA. Over the 12-week internship, you will receive mentorship from industry experts, engage in cross-functional team projects, and gain invaluable experience within the disciplines of business development and mission management. This is a fantastic opportunity to network with professionals in the space sector while contributing to real-world projects.

Yes, the Summer 2025 Internship at Vast is a paid position, offering a competitive hourly wage of $33 for Bachelor's students and $38 for Master's students. This pay structure reflects our commitment to attracting and retaining top talent while providing a comprehensive benefits package that includes access to health insurance and various perks for full-time employees.

As a Business Development Intern at Vast, you will primarily work on writing and developing government and commercial proposals. Other responsibilities may include conducting market research, analyzing competitor strategies, and assisting in strategic planning sessions to support the upcoming launch of Haven-1, Vast's first commercial space station. This role will provide a holistic view of business operations within the space exploration sector.

When answering this question, share your passion for space exploration and how Vast's mission aligns with your career goals. Highlight any relevant coursework, projects or experiences that have prepared you for this role, and convey your enthusiasm for the impact Vast aims to create in the field of human spaceflight.

Discuss your methodical approach to proposal writing. You might start by researching the project requirements, analyzing competitor proposals, and determining compliance needs. Emphasize your ability to collaborate with team members and integrate their insights into a compelling narrative that showcases the project's unique value.

Choose a project that demonstrates your technical skills relevant to the internship. Outline your specific contributions, the tools or methods you used, and the outcome. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them to show resilience and problem-solving capabilities.

Emphasize skills like strong communication, analytical thinking, strategic planning, and collaboration. Provide examples of how you've utilized these skills in academic or professional settings to reinforce your answer.

Share your time management strategies, such as using project management tools or creating prioritized to-do lists. Explain how you approach communication with your team to keep everyone aligned and ensure timely completion of deliverables.

Demonstrating knowledge about Vast's mission will show your interest in the company. Discuss your understanding of the development of artificial gravity space stations and how their goal of enabling long-term human habitation in space aligns with broader trends in space exploration.

Select an experience where collaboration was key. Describe your specific role, how you contributed to team objectives, and how you resolved any conflicts, showcasing your interpersonal and teamwork skills.

Mention relevant sources such as industry publications, blogs, and networking with professionals. Discuss how this knowledge informs your perspective and can enhance your contributions at Vast.

Consider potential challenges such as tight deadlines or complex proposal requirements. Discuss your strategies to manage these situations, like seeking mentorship advice, conducting thorough research, and maintaining open communication with your team.

Convey your passion for space exploration and innovation. Discuss how this interest drives you to be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of technology and human capability, reinforcing your desire to contribute meaningfully at Vast.