Laser Communications Program Lead

Rocket Lab USA

Long Beach (CA)

On-site

USD 117,000 - 196,000

Full time

13 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Company stock

Employee Stock Purchase Program (15%+)

Medical plans

Dental and vision

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

EV charging subsidies

Onsite fitness centers

Employee discounts

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a Senior Program Manager I for Laser Communications based in Long Beach, CA. You will own customer outcomes, lead terminal programs from award to on-orbit checkout, and coordinate with engineering, production, supply chain, and product teams to ensure on-time delivery.

You will drive risk management and maintain strong customer relationships across two continents. The role emphasizes high-impact leadership, functional excellence, and close collaboration with product and

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or Math.
Experience leading a complex hardware program to delivery including schedule, risk and acceptance.
Proven track record delivering hardware at rate to demanding customers.
Experience with export-control and dual-use compliance (ITAR/EAR) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead terminal programs from award through qualification, production at rate, delivery, and on-orbit checkout.
Run multiple concurrent customer programs and coordinate with Chief Engineers on key metrics.
Own each program's delivery profile and manage risks with Operations and Product teams.
Partner with Supply Chain to manage suppliers as strategic partners and ensure on-schedule delivery.
Oversee program startup, baselining, reviews, and compliance with export controls across US/Europe sites.
Serve as the trusted customer liaison through reviews, campaigns, acceptance, and pricing/configuration with Product team.