Senior Technical Program Manager II
About The Role
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 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.
SPACE SYSTEMS
At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has 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.
Senior Technical Program Manager II
Rocket Lab’s Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) 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, Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.
To be successful in this role, you must possess experience in managing programs including electronics, software, and EO sensors on space or ground systems. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business, technology, or other field
- 8+ years of experience in managing technical projects for the US Government
- Proven ability to lead a team to the completion of program and project milestones
- Hands-on expertise with active optical systems
- Experience with space EO payloads, test plan development, astronomy, physics, electronics, software, and/or remote-sensing
- Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
- U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements
These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have:
- Current SSBI clearance
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Self-motivated and capable of performing tasks with minimal oversight
- Superior oral and written communication skills and sound problem-solving skills
- Continuous improvement mindset and high attention to detail and accuracy
- Experience performing and working in a dynamic and high-visibility role
- Excellent management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and deliver results within given constraints
- Internship or research experience supporting aerospace, defense, or optics-related projects
- Exposure to MBSE concepts and tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler
- Familiarity with environmental testing flight hardware
- Experience with configuration management practices and systems engineering documentation
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including use of formulas and data analysis tools
- Interest in or background knowledge of astronomy, physics, imaging systems, or remote sensing
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