SPACE SYSTEMS

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

HEAD OF PROGRAMS - SPACE SYSTEMS SOFTWARE

As the Head of Programs- Space Systems Software at Rocket Lab based out our office in Long Beach, CA, you will lead the management of all software programs for space missions, ensuring timely and cost-effective execution. Your primary responsibility will be to oversee cost, schedule, and risk across multiple software programs, while developing and refining technical project management processes and methodologies. You will work closely with technical PMs, ensure alignment within the PMO, and drive operational excellence across the organization.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Manage cost, schedule, and risk for all software programs, ensuring they meet Rocket Lab’s financial and schedule objectives while delivering high-quality software for space missions.
• Develop and implement processes and cadences that all technical program managers (PMs) will follow, ensuring consistency across the organization.
• Collaborate with the heads of technical disciplines to manage headcount allocation and distribution, ensuring the right resources are assigned to meet program goals.
• Conduct regular program reviews that focus on cost, schedule, and risk. Prepare executive summaries to update senior leadership on the performance of software initiatives.
• Utilize your expertise in agile project management to lead the execution of software programs, overseeing up to 10 concurrent programs and ensuring they remain on track.
• Identify and manage program and project risks, priorities, and challenges, providing proactive communication to executive leadership on opportunities and risks.
• Lead, mentor, and develop program managers, guiding them on best practices and ensuring their success. Oversee staffing decisions, including hiring and personnel development.
• Serve as the key point of contact for customers, handling escalations, resolving issues, and ensuring technical and programmatic changes are implemented efficiently.
• Plan and facilitate key customer reviews, ensuring technical content is communicated effectively across the company and to external stakeholders.
• Contribute to business development efforts by providing programmatic insights, sharing operational expertise, and supporting the capture process.
• Work closely with supply chain and manufacturing leadership to ensure program requirements are met and identify opportunities for cost reduction and operational efficiencies.
• Collaborate with design engineering and finance teams to ensure program software specifications are met and costs are captured accurately.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 12+ years of experience in the aerospace industry, with a strong focus on managing software for spacecraft programs
• Proven experience in delivering software components for satellite programs on time, within budget, and meeting quality standards.
• Expertise in agile project management with a history of overseeing multiple concurrent programs (10+).
• Demonstrated expertise in cost, schedule, and risk management across complex software programs.
• Strong experience in headcount management and coordination with technical discipline leads.
• Ability to establish and enforce processes and cadences for technical PMs to work within.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience in evaluating business development opportunities and contributing to the capture process.
• Deep knowledge of project and change management methodologies and techniques.
• Proficiency in managing budgets and program profitability.
• Familiarity with program management tools and methodologies, as well as resource management best practices.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a proven ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven leadership and track record of managing high-performing teams.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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