Vice President, Space Systems Software
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.
VICE PRESIDENT, SPACE SYSTEMS SOFTWARE
We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Vice President, Space Systems Software to lead our satellite flight and ground software organization. This leadership role is responsible for driving strategy execution, revenue growth, operational excellence, and innovation within this business area. The VP will oversee all aspects of the segment, including growth strategy, product development, program execution, team leadership, and financial performance, while ensuring alignment with the company’s overall strategic goals.
- Strategic Leadership:
- Develop and execute the business unit’s strategic plan to achieve revenue growth, market share expansion, and profitability targets.
- Identify and capitalize on emerging market trends, customer needs, and competitive opportunities in satellite flight and ground software.
- Understand the needs of key satellite customers, including the U.S. Government, and ensure the growth strategy aligns with future market and customer needs.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to align the business unit’s goals with the company’s overall vision and strategy.
- Understand the needs of key satellite customers, including the U.S. Government, and ensure the growth strategy aligns with future market and customer needs.
- Identify and capitalize on emerging market trends, customer needs, and competitive opportunities in satellite flight and ground software.
- Develop and execute the business unit’s strategic plan to achieve revenue growth, market share expansion, and profitability targets.
- Revenue Growth & Business Development:
- Drive revenue growth by working with the Business Development team to identify new opportunities, expand existing customer relationships, and enter new markets.
- Cultivate relationships with key customers, industry partners, and stakeholders to build long-term business opportunities.
- Drive revenue growth by working with the Business Development team to identify new opportunities, expand existing customer relationships, and enter new markets.
- Product & Technology Leadership:
- Oversee the development and delivery of innovative satellite flight and ground software solutions that meet customer requirements and industry standards.
- Ensure the business unit remains at the forefront of technology advancements, including AI, automation, and cloud-based solutions.
- Collaborate with engineering and product teams to prioritize product roadmaps and ensure timely delivery of high-quality solutions.
- Ensure the business unit remains at the forefront of technology advancements, including AI, automation, and cloud-based solutions.
- Oversee the development and delivery of innovative satellite flight and ground software solutions that meet customer requirements and industry standards.
- Operational Excellence:
- Drive operational efficiency across the business unit, including resource allocation, process optimization, and cost management.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success and ensure accountability across teams.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success and ensure accountability across teams.
- Drive operational efficiency across the business unit, including resource allocation, process optimization, and cost management.
- Team Leadership:
- Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team across product development, engineering, operations, and program management.
- Promote a culture of accountability, inclusivity, and professional development.
- Inspire and motivate teams to achieve ambitious goals and deliver exceptional results.
- Promote a culture of accountability, inclusivity, and professional development.
- Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team across product development, engineering, operations, and program management.
- Financial Management:
- Own the P&L for the organization, ensuring financial targets are met or exceeded.
- Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial plans to support strategic objectives.
- Own the P&L for the organization, ensuring financial targets are met or exceeded.
- Provide regular reporting and insights to executive leadership on business unit performance.
Qualifications
- Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, computer science, or other field.
- 12+ years of experience in leadership roles, with a focus on business development, strategy execution, and/or revenue growth with a focus on software products.
- Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, computer science, or other field.
- Proven experience leading software businesses.
- U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Skills & Competencies
- Exceptional leadership skills, with a track record of driving revenue growth.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
- Strong financial acumen, including P&L management and budgeting.
What To Expect
- 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.
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.
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.