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 1,800 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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in Rocket Lab’s evolution into an end-to-end space company that delivers launch, spacecraft, and on-orbit operations. The Space Systems Division is shaping Rocket Lab’s future with Photon, our brand of high-performance satellites, enabling innovative missions in low Earth orbit and beyond including missions for NASA to LEO, the Moon, and Mars and commercial customers including leading the design and manufacture of 17 high power telecommunication spacecraft buses for Globalstar.

Rocket Lab is also growing spacecraft components business, anchored on the acquisition of Sinclair Interplanetary manufacturing reaction wheels and star trackers in Toronto, SolAero Technologies manufacturing solar power and primary structure solutions in Albuquerque, Planetary Systems Corporation manufacturing launch separation systems in Silver Spring, and Advanced Solutions, Inc. provider flight and ground software as a service in Denver. Our components business is key to vertically integrating our spacecraft solutions and enabling constellations for customers.

TECHNICAL PROGRAM MANAGER - TS/SCI CLEARANCE

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, the Technical Program Manager is responsible for supporting the development of various Space Systems programs. You will support the Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Serve as the program manager for the design, development, test, and production phases of Rocket Lab’s space systems for low Earth orbit and/or deep space missions
Deliver Rocket Lab’s space systems to the launch pad on time and within budget
Work in collaboration with Space Systems Chief Engineer to plan and execute programs
Identify implementation issues and proactively develop recovery plans before schedule and cost impacts are realized
Approve selection and make/buy decisions of spacecraft components and manage subcontracts
Report program status, issues, and problems to Rocket Lab senior leadership
Lead or approve input into proposal development and business development activities
Serve as a team leader and take accountability for the cost and schedule performance of the team
Manage relationship with a broad set of cross-functional engineering and production teams to deliver on program goals
Develop and maintain professional working relationships with all program stakeholders across the company
Travel domestically and internationally regularly to support programs

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS (Note: you must meet every qualification in order to be considered):

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, math, or other technical discipline
8+ years of program management experience in the aerospace industry
Direct technical experience as an engineer supporting satellite and/or space programs
Active TS/SCI clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

10+ years of demonstrated space system program management experience across multiple spacecraft flight projects/programs
Experience with managing employees
Thorough understanding of space systems and subsystems, and depth across multiple spacecraft engineering disciplines
Experience with systems engineering methods, including systems trades, requirements management, performance characterization, and interface management
Ability to identify and address problems with a proactive and systematic approach
Project management qualifications such as PMP, APMP, etc.
Proficiency with project and engineering management tools such as Microsoft Project, Teamcenter, etc.
Experience managing both low and high-cost space programs, as well as deep space and LEO missions
Experience working with government customers, government requirements, and government project management practices

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours
Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed

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)

$120,000—$210,000 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.

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.