Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team is over 1,500 people strong and we’re adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented.

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team is over 1,300 people strong and we’re adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented.

ABOUT NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering mega constellations, high value payloads and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program.

We are rapidly growing our team at all sites globally to develop and get a vehicle to the pad in 2024. If you want to join a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity

ABOUT ELECTRON

Designed, manufactured, and launched by Rocket Lab, Electron is a two-stage launch vehicle powered by liquid oxygen and rocket-grade kerosene. By incorporating an orbital transfer vehicle stage (Kick Stage) that can deploy multiple payloads to unique orbits on the same mission, Electron can support dedicated missions and rideshare options without the complexity and schedule risk typically associated with launching on medium or heavy lift launch vehicles.

Electron utilizes advanced carbon composite technologies throughout the launch vehicle structures, including all of Electron’s propellant tanks. The all carbon-composite construction of Electron decreases mass by as much as 40 percent compared with traditional aluminum launch vehicle structures, resulting in enhanced vehicle performance. Rocket Lab fabricates tanks and other carbon composite structures in-house to improve cost efficiency and drive rapid production. Electron is powered by the in-house designed and produced additively manufactured Rutherford engines.

Program Manager, Launch

Based in Long Beach, USA, this is a key role in supporting the development of the Neutron launch vehicle where you will work across several functional disciplines and organizations to align teams with program objectives. This role will be responsible for maintaining alignment through schedule, budget while supporting technical direction of all US based operations for the Neutron launch vehicle and ground systems development.

The role will also be a focal in liaising with internal and external stakeholders e.g. USG and support business development and certification activities.

What you'll get to do:

Program manager for Rocket Lab’s launch vehicle programs supporting Commercial and US Government initiatives
Responsible for delivering Neutron program deliverables to the Customer on time and within budget
Works in collaboration with the Neutron chief engineer to plan and execute the Neutron development program aligned with Commercial and US Government development programs
Identifies implementation issues and proactively develops recovery plans before schedule and cost impacts are realized
Reports project status, issues, and problems to Rocket Lab senior leadership
Leads or approves inputs into proposal development and business development activities
Team leader and accountable for the cost and schedule performance of the team
Manages relationships with a broad set of engineering and production teams (not direct reports) to deliver on project goals
Develops and maintains professional working relationships with all project stakeholders across the company

You'll bring this experience:

5+ years of demonstrated launch vehicle or space systems project management experience
Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, physics, math, or related discipline
Demonstrated employee management experience and proficiency in task management
Thorough understanding of launch vehicle and space systems and demonstrated breadth and depth across engineering disciplines
Demonstrated ability to identify and address problems using a proactive, systematic approach
Demonstrated ability to formulate and implement project plans and cost and schedule against a baseline and meet requirements and stakeholder expectations
Ability to travel regularly, including international travel

This experience would be nice to have:

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
10+ years of demonstrated launch vehicle or space systems project management experience
Formal project management qualifications such a PMP, APMP, etc.
Proficiency with project and engineering management tools, e.g., Microsoft Project, Teamcenter, etc.
Experience managing both low cost and high cost space programs
Experience with government customers, government requirements, and government project management practices
Experience with launch vehicle design, development, and/or operations
Active Secret or Top Secret/SCI security clearance or the ability to obtain one

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

In addition to base salary, Rocket Lab offers a comprehensive total compensation package based on individual qualifications and experience, which may include cash or equity incentives. Employees will also be eligible for medical, dental, vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plan options, and to purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$141,300—$211,900 USD

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Biow at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

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