Senior Program Manager I/II

Rocketlab; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 107,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company equity

Comprehensive medical plans

3 weeks paid vacation

Flex schedule

Free breakfast and lunch twice a week

Job summary

Rocketlab is seeking a Senior Program Manager I/II located in Silver Spring, Maryland. The role involves defining program requirements, maintaining customer relationships, and ensuring timely program delivery aligned with business strategy.

Ideal candidates should have at least 5+ years of program management experience in aerospace manufacturing and a relevant degree. Benefits include company equity, comprehensive health plans, and a flexible schedule.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of program management experience in a product development environment.
• Experience following federally mandated U.S. export control law requirements.
• Demonstrated competence in problem-solving and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Define program requirements based on customer proposals.
• Facilitate cross-functional planning and project execution.
• Maintain relationships with customers and build long-term partnerships.
• Develop reporting and tracking programs for project schedule and cost.

Skills

Program management

Data analysis

Project planning

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

BS or BA in engineering, business, or a relevant field

Job description

Senior Program Manager I/II - New Product Development

Silver Spring, Maryland

Responsibilities

• Define program requirements (external & internal) based on customer proposals.
• Regularly interface with engineering leadership and systems engineering.
• Maintain relationships with customers and build long‑term partnerships.
• Facilitate cross‑functional planning and project execution, ensuring the program is delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with business strategy.
• Communicate objectives, status, risks, and needs to all levels of the organization.
• Develop reporting and tracking programs to keep the project on target for schedule and cost.
• Identify key risks and collaboratively prepare contingency plans.

Qualifications – Senior Program Manager II

• 5+ years of program management experience in a product development environment within aerospace manufacturing or a similar industry.
• 5+ years of project or program management New Product Development experience.
• BS or BA in engineering, business, or a relevant field.
• Demonstrated competence in problem‑solving, data analysis, and project planning.
• Experience following federally mandated U.S. export control law requirements.

Qualifications – Senior Program Manager III

• 8+ years of program management experience in a product development environment within aerospace manufacturing or a similar industry.
• 8+ years of project or program management New Product Development experience.
• Clear understanding of the manufacturing validation process for new products (methodology, validation plans, associated KPIs) and ability to facilitate continuous process improvement.
• Outstanding problem‑solving skills across various methodologies.
• BS or BA in engineering, business, or a relevant field.
• Demonstrated competence in problem‑solving, data analysis, and project planning.
• Experience following federally mandated U.S. export control law requirements.

Nice to Have

• Passionate drive to learn new concepts and take on new challenges.
• Outstanding attention to detail and high‑quality outputs.
• Strong communication skills for effective decision‑making at all levels.
• Familiarity with common aerospace manufacturing and test processes.
• Familiarity with common metal fabrication processes (CNC, EDM, lathe, stamping, additive manufacturing).

Physical Requirements

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.

Salary Range

$107,000 – $135,000 USD (MD only)

Benefits

• Company equity • Comprehensive medical HMO and PPO plans with 100% company‑sponsored HSA option • Dental and vision coverage • 3 weeks paid vacation, 7 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year • Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts • Paid parental leave, disability, and life insurance • 401(k) retirement plan with company match • Discounted employee stock purchase program • Flexible schedule • Free breakfast and lunch twice a week, plus free snacks and drinks

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.