Mission Manager - Spaceflight Payload & Mission Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Purchase Program

401(k) with company match

Company stock in total compensation

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a Mission Manager to oversee multiple customer missions from contract signing through payload integration and launch, including coordination with technical staff and stakeholders.

The role requires 5+ years in mission management or technical program management, with hardware integration experience and an active DoD Secret Clearance. Travel to launch sites and international locations is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering or technical discipline (Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace preferred).
• 5+ years of mission management or technical program management experience.
• Active DoD Secret Clearance.
• Hardware integration or PM experience on launch vehicles or spacecraft projects.
• Ability to travel to launch pads, customer sites, and overseas (e.g. NZ facility/launch site).

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple Rocket Lab customer missions across technical, programmatic, and financial milestones.
• Oversee payload integration activities, including fit checks and launcher-payload interfaces.
• Lead technical milestone reviews with customers (design reviews, test readiness).
• Assist business development with proposal input, lead generation, and technical sales reviews.
• Develop and verify Launch Vehicle to Payload Interface Control Documentation (ICD).
• Maintain frequent contact with customers and provide technical support.
• Represent the company at conferences, forums, outreach and recruiting events.
• Help expand Mission Integrators' capability in mission management.

Skills

Mission management

Technical program management

Hardware integration

Security clearance DoD Secret

Domestic and international travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical discipline

Job description

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a Mission Manager to oversee multiple customer missions from contract signing through payload integration and launch, including coordination with technical staff and stakeholders.

The role requires 5+ years in mission management or technical program management, with hardware integration experience and an active DoD Secret Clearance. Travel to launch sites and international locations is expected.