Senior Program Manager II - Advanced RF Systems (TS/SCI)

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate-change missions, national security, and new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered over 230 satellites to orbit. We are also developing Neutron, a medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

About the Role

Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, you are the program authority for our next-generation RF systems and payloads. You own the technical roadmap and strategic program decisions from the first “blank sheet” prototype, through flight qualification, and into high-rate production. This high-ownership role involves immersing yourself in the operational realities of National Security, civil, and commercial pioneers to turn their hardest problems into concrete technical milestones.

Responsibilities

• Command the lifecycle: Build and lead the team that takes RF payloads, transponders, SAR, and communications systems from concept through qualification, high-rate production, and flight. Own the technical roadmap that grows the team's core capabilities.
• Lead the team of teams: Run multiple active programs simultaneously, make architectural decisions with Chief Engineers, navigate trade-offs in phased arrays, digital signal processing, and high-rate manufacturing, and personally address program-threatening problems.
• Build the bench: Foster a culture where strong people take smart, healthy risks, the best idea wins regardless of its source, and intelligent misses are treated as the cost of moving fast. Coach and develop the next generation of program and team leaders.
• Forge the supply chain: Manage high-stakes subcontracts and suppliers as strategic partners essential to the mission, protecting schedule and margin.
• Unblock excellence: Synchronize cross-functional teams across hardware, software, and spectrum management, clearing roadblocks quickly to maintain speed and quality.
• Influence the future: Serve as the primary point of contact for National Security, civil, and commercial customers. Partner with Business Development and Strategy on proposals and technical narratives that define the next generation of RF systems and payloads.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, math, science, or other technical discipline.
• 8+ years of program management experience.
• Demonstrated track record of owning a technical program, product, or team end-to-end and delivering under pressure.
• Experience moving real hardware and software from prototype toward scalable, flight-ready production.
• Understanding of transponders, SAR, or advanced communication systems.
• Experience identifying and mitigating technical, schedule, or supply-chain risks before they impact the mission.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven playbook for transitioning low-volume prototypes into high-rate production without sacrificing mission reliability.
• Deep experience navigating National Security Space (NSS) or large commercial telecommunications constellation architectures.
• Demonstrated success negotiating, capturing, and executing large U.S. Government or major commercial contracts.
• Master's degree in Engineering or a related field for peer-reviewing technical roadmaps.
• Fluency in Systems Engineering, trade studies, interface control, requirement integrity, and tools like Jira, Confluence, and ERP.
• Multiple program cycles or 8+ years in aerospace/defense, with emphasis on the hardest projects shipped.

Work Environment

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.

Pay

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $134,000 USD - $201,000 USD. Level and base salary will be determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Benefits

• Company equity and access to a robust benefits package.
• Top-tier medical HMO, PPO, and a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts.
• Paid parental leave.
• Disability insurance and life insurance.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Discounted employee stock purchase program.
• Subsidized EV charging stations.
• Onsite gym, food, and drinks.
• Other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.