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Senior Technical Program Manager II - Space Sensing & Domain Awareness (TS/SCI)

Rocket Lab · Long Beach, CA · 2 mo ago
On-siteSales$134k/yrFull-time

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, missions to combat climate change, national security, and 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 will serve as the program authority for our advanced optical and infrared sensing payloads. You will own the technical roadmap and strategic "Make/Buy" decisions from the initial prototype through flight qualification and scalable production. This high-ownership role involves immersing yourself in the operational realities of tracking, warning, and surveillance missions to solve complex problems and drive technical milestones.

Responsibilities

  • Build and lead the team that takes EO/IR sensing payloads and optical systems from concept through qualification, scalable production, and flight, owning the technical roadmap.
  • Run multiple active programs simultaneously, make architectural decisions with Chief Engineers, and navigate trade-offs in pointing stability, jitter, sensitivity, and revisit.
  • Personally address the most critical program challenges alongside the team.
  • Foster a culture of smart risk-taking, where the best ideas prevail, and coach the next generation of program and team leaders.
  • Manage high-stakes subcontracts and suppliers as strategic partners to protect schedule and margin.
  • Synchronize cross-functional teams across optics, electronics, software, and data chains to remove roadblocks and maintain speed and quality.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for U.S. Government tracking, warning, and surveillance customers, and collaborate on proposals defining the next generation of space domain awareness.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in physics, math, science, or another technical discipline.
  • 8+ years of program management experience.
  • Proven track record of owning a technical program, product, or team end-to-end and delivering under pressure.
  • Experience moving hardware and software from prototype to scalable, flight-ready production.
  • Understanding of EO/IR sensing, optical payloads, or focal plane arrays.
  • Ability to identify and mitigate technical, schedule, or supply-chain risks.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Proven playbook for transitioning low-volume prototypes into scalable production without sacrificing reliability.
  • Deep experience with National Security Space (NSS) or large sensing and tracking constellations.
  • Success negotiating, capturing, and executing large U.S. Government contracts.
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Optics, or a related field for peer-reviewing sensing 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.

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

Benefits

  • 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 and life insurance.
  • 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.

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