Senior Master Scheduler II

Rocket Lab Corp.; Long Beach, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Corp. is seeking a Senior Master Scheduler II to coordinate and optimize schedules for Space Systems programs at its Long Beach, CA headquarters. The role focuses on integrating schedules across program tiers, aligning with objectives, and mitigating bottlenecks in a high-velocity supply chain.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in scheduling within aerospace or technical industries, strong MS Project/JIRA skills, and experience with ERP/MRP and data visualization. U.S.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of Scheduler experience in a New Space, Aerospace, or other technical industry with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of work experience (12+ total).
• Detailed knowledge of MS Project and JIRA.
• Ability to read technical documentation and understand complex hardware assembly sequences.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Basic experience writing SQL queries or building data visualizations (Power BI) to track health metrics.
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Nice to have: Infor LN ERP experience, VBA or Python to automate scheduling workflows, U.S. Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and analyze schedules for Rocket Lab Space Systems programs across all program tiers.
• Identify bottlenecks and support mitigation strategies.
• Gather data with Project Managers, Engineering, and Supply Chain for accurate signals.
• Create and deliver schedule reports and dashboards for program managers.
• Develop and maintain scheduling tools and processes (ERP/MRP, SQL, Power BI) to improve reporting quality.
• Provide clear production priorities and manage push/pull signals to reduce lead times.
• Support root cause analysis for schedule slips and implement scalable Lean/Six Sigma/Kaizen solutions.

Skills

Scheduling expertise

Technical documentation literacy

Data visualization

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

MS Project

JIRA

ERP/MRP

SQL

Power BI

Job description

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR MASTER SCHEDULER II

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Master Scheduler II is a centerpiece of all schedule-related activities supporting Space Systems development and manufacturing. In this role, you aren’t just managing a schedule; you are optimizing a high-velocity value chain. You will be counted on to identify missing pieces in day-to-day operations, support the implementation of process improvements, and help drive new scheduling norms across the Space Systems group. Our ideal candidate is an assertive, creative thinker who loves building best practices and improving processes in a fast-paced, technically focused environment.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop, maintain, and analyze schedules for Rocket Lab Space Systems programs. Ensure vertical and horizontal integration across all program tiers.


• Ensure schedules are aligned with project objectives and resource availability. Identify potential bottlenecks and support the development of mitigation strategies.


• Partner with Project Managers, Engineering, and Supply Chain to gather accurate data and ensure program signals are reflected with surgical precision.


• Create and deliver timely schedule reports and dashboards. You will help apprise Program Managers of schedule performance and "margin erosion."


• Create and maintain scheduling tools and processes (using ERP/MRP, SQL, or PowerBI) that improve the efficiency and quality of reporting.


• Provide clear priorities to production teams and manage "push/pull" signals to reduce lead times and ensure delivery targets are met.


• Support root cause analysis for schedule slips and help implement scalable solutions using Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen principles.

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING:

• 8+ years of experience as a Scheduler in a New Space, Aerospace, or other technical industry, and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of work experience (12+ years of total work experience).


• Detailed knowledge and familiarity with MS Project and JIRA


• Demonstrated ability to read technical documentation and understand complex hardware assembly sequences


• Experience with ERP/MRP systems


• Basic experience writing SQL queries or building data visualizations (IE. Power BI) to track health metrics


• U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements


• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects


• Infor LN ERP experience


• Exposure to VBA or Python to automate scheduling workflows


• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay,you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$125,000 — $155,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

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 .

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

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.