Mission Manager: Space Payload & Customer Programs Lead

InvestedintheMission; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 196,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee stock purchase program

Medical, dental, vision plans

Paid time off & holidays

401(k) with company match

Stock/equity benefits

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Mission Manager to lead multiple customer missions from contract through payload integration to launch at North American sites, with frequent domestic and international travel to locations such as New Zealand and Virginia.

You will oversee payload integration, lead reviews, assist with business development, and ensure successful interface control documentation. The role includes public representation and mentoring for Mission Integrators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering or technical discipline
• 5+ years of mission management / technical program management experience
• Hardware integration or PM experience on launch vehicles or spacecraft
• Willingness to travel to launch pads, customer sites, and overseas
• Must be willing and able to obtain TS/SCI Clearance

Responsibilities

• Management of multiple Rocket Lab customer missions, including technical, programmatic, and financial milestones
• Oversee hands-on payload integration activities, including fit checks, dispenser and launch vehicle integration
• Lead technical milestone reviews with customers such as mission design or test readiness reviews
• Assists business development with proposal input, lead generation, and technical sales engineering reviews
• Responsible for development and verification of Launch Vehicle to Payload Spacecraft Interface Control Documentation (ICD)
• In constant contact with customers to answer questions with technical staff as required
• Represent the company at public events, including conferences, industry forums, outreach and recruiting events
• Helps lead Mission Integrators in expanding their mission management skillset

Skills

Mission mgmt

PM experience

Hardware integration

Travel to sites

TS/SCI clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/technical

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Mission Manager to lead multiple customer missions from contract through payload integration to launch at North American sites, with frequent domestic and international travel to locations such as New Zealand and Virginia.

You will oversee payload integration, lead reviews, assist with business development, and ensure successful interface control documentation. The role includes public representation and mentoring for Mission Integrators.