Senior Program Manager, Space Optics & EO/IR

Telemetry Today LLC; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Optical Systems, based in Tucson, AZ, seeks a Principal Program Manager to lead EO/IR space missions and ground-based sensor networks. You will manage complex programs across electronics, software, and sensors, guiding cross-functional teams to deliver on schedule and budget while communicating with customers and leadership.

You will collaborate on IMS/EVM, support proposal activities, and mentor junior staff, ensuring rigorous execution under ITAR-aligned guidelines in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, technology, or technical discipline.
• 12+ years of experience in managing technical projects for the US Government.
• Proven ability to lead a team to completion of programs and milestones.
• Hands-on expertise with active optical systems.
• Experience with space EO payloads, test plan development, astronomy, physics, electronics, software, and/or remote sensing.
• Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility.
• U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple contracts, ensuring cost, risk, schedule, staffing resources, and technical performance of company programs or subsystems of major programs.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks, develop contingency plans, and track financial impacts.
• Lead teams in planning and executing test events and resolving issues encountered.
• Build and deliver presentations to communicate program status with little direction.
• Maintain clear communication with stakeholders across disciplines and with customers.
• Lead program and customer meetings and reviews.
• Develop and closely track Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and Earned Value Management (EVM) metrics as required.

Skills

Team leadership

Risk management

Systems thinking

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, technology, or technical discipline

Tools

Cameo Systems Modeler

Job description

Rocket Lab Optical Systems, based in Tucson, AZ, seeks a Principal Program Manager to lead EO/IR space missions and ground-based sensor networks. You will manage complex programs across electronics, software, and sensors, guiding cross-functional teams to deliver on schedule and budget while communicating with customers and leadership.

You will collaborate on IMS/EVM, support proposal activities, and mentor junior staff, ensuring rigorous execution under ITAR-aligned guidelines in a fast-paced