Principal Program Manager

About Rocket Lab Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us. SPACE SYSTEMS Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios. The Space Systems division has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help get to space — our Space Systems division is empowering the boldest and most ambitious space missions. PRINCIPAL PROGRAM MANAGER Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains. As a Principal Program Manager for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ, you will lead EO/IR space missions and ground-based sensor networks, and the research. You must possess experience in managing programs including electronics, software, and EO/IR sensors on space or ground systems. What You’ll Get To Do Manage multiple contracts, ensuring cost, risk, schedule, staffing resources, and technical performance of company programs or subsystems of major programs, addressing any issues or risks that ariseIdentify and mitigate potential risks to programs, develop contingency plans, develop and execute recovery plans, ensure timely resolution of issues, and track financial impactsWork on unusually complex technical problems and provide innovative solutionsLead team(s) of engineers in planning and executing test events and resolving issues encountered, both operational and technicalWork proactively to complete tasks and meet assigned deadlines with little directionBuild and deliver effective presentations to communicate program status and plans with little directionCommunicate effectively with team members across disciplines, with project management, and particularly with customersMaintain clear and consistent communication and foster strong relationships with a wide range of internal stakeholders, particularly with functional teams and executive leadershipBuild and maintain trusted relationships with key customers, partners, and stakeholdersLead program and customer meetings and reviewsLead technical interchange meetings with the team members and other project personnel and represent the organization in matters pertaining to project developmentLead and mentor junior technical staff and program support resources, providing guidance and support as neededDevelop and closely track Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) for projects and manage Earned Value Management (EVM) metrics (as required)Support, and influence/lead where required, proposal and ECP effortsSupport travel or off-site work as neededPerform other duties as assigned Qualifications You’ll Bring As Principal Program Manager Bachelor’s degree in business, technology, or technical discipline12+ years of experience in managing technical projects for the US GovernmentProven ability to lead a team to the completion of programs and project milestonesHands-on expertise with active optical systemsExperience with space EO payloads, test plan development, astronomy, physics, electronics, software, and/or remote sensingActive Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have Current SSBI clearanceExcellent communication and presentation skillsSelf-motivated and capable of performing tasks with minimal oversightSuperior oral and written communication skills and sound problem-solving skillsContinuous improvement mindset and high attention to detail and accuracyExperience performing and working in a dynamic and high-visibility roleExcellent management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and deliver results within given constraintsInternship or research experience supporting aerospace, defense, or optics-related projectsExposure to MBSE concepts and tools such as Cameo Systems ModelerFamiliarity with environmental testing flight hardwareExperience with configuration management practices and systems engineering documentationProficiency with Microsoft Excel, including use of formulas and data analysis toolsKnowledge of astronomy, physics, imaging systems, or remote sensing This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. 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 Johnson 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.