Technical Program Manager @ Rocket Lab USA

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

TECHNICAL PROGRAM MANAGER - TS/SCI CLEARANCE

Based out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, 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:

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
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
Must be physically able to commute to buildings
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise

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.

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, stock options, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits may also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$123,000—$298,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

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 [email protected].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.

Compensation Overview

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth