Senior Program Manager, Space Robotics

Rocket Lab USA; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 134,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity compensation

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, CA seeks a Senior Program Manager II to lead multiple concurrent robotics and electromechanical programs from proposal support through contract closeout. This onsite role requires a highly organized self-starter able to manage cost, schedule, and technical performance.

You will build detailed plans, lead cross‑functional teams, monitor risks, and report progress to customers and leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Systems Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of project management experience in aerospace/defense/advanced manufacturing.
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with competing priorities.
• Experience with full project lifecycle from proposal to contract closeout.
• Strong command of planning tools; MS Project proficiency.
• Knowledge of EVM principles and program cost/schedule reporting.
• Experience with government contracting and ITAR-controlled programs.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams in a matrixed org.

Responsibilities

• Own the full project lifecycle for multiple concurrent robotics and electromechanical projects.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, WBS, IMS, and budgets.
• Track baselines and communicate variances to stakeholders.
• Serve as primary contact for customers, leading milestone reviews.
• Lead cross-functional teams across Design, Electrical, Software, and Manufacturing.
• Identify risks, scope changes, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage action items and run regular status meetings.
• Present project status, schedule, and cost reports to customers and leadership.

Skills

Project management

MS Project

Earned Value Management

ITAR knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, CA seeks a Senior Program Manager II to lead multiple concurrent robotics and electromechanical programs from proposal support through contract closeout. This onsite role requires a highly organized self-starter able to manage cost, schedule, and technical performance.

You will build detailed plans, lead cross‑functional teams, monitor risks, and report progress to customers and leadership.