Mission Manager: Space Payload & Launch Programs

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity compensation

Employee stock purchase program

Top-tier medical plans

Dental and vision coverage

Paid vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays

401(k) with company match

EV charging subsidy

Onsite fitness centers

Discounted gym memberships

Snacks and beverages

Merch store discount

Parental leave

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Mission Manager to oversee customer missions from contract through payload integration to launch at North America sites. You will coordinate milestones, manage interfaces, and lead reviews with commercial and government customers.

The role requires 5+ years in mission management or technical PM, hardware integration or launch vehicle experience, and international travel. TS/SCI clearance is required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of mission management or technical program management experience.
• Hardware integration or project management on launch vehicles or spacecraft.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
• Ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance.
• Prior mission integration experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple Rocket Lab customer missions, tracking technical, programmatic, and financial milestones.
• Oversee payload integration activities, including fit checks and vehicle/payload interfaces.
• Lead milestone reviews with customers (design, readiness, etc.).
• Assist business development with proposals, lead generation, and technical reviews.
• Develop and verify ICD between Launch Vehicle and Payload spacecraft.
• Maintain ongoing customer contact with technical staff for inquiries.
• Represent Rocket Lab at events and help grow mission integration capabilities.

Skills

Mission management

Technical program management

Travel readiness

TS/SCI clearance

Customer-facing communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Aerospace engineering

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Mission Manager to oversee customer missions from contract through payload integration to launch at North America sites. You will coordinate milestones, manage interfaces, and lead reviews with commercial and government customers.

The role requires 5+ years in mission management or technical PM, hardware integration or launch vehicle experience, and international travel. TS/SCI clearance is required.