Senior RF Systems Program Manager I (TS/SCI)

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grant

Stock Purchase Program

Medical plans

Dental & Vision

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA, seeks a Senior Technical Program Manager I for Advanced RF Systems (TS/SCI). You will own the technical roadmap from prototype to flight, leading teams across hardware, software, and spectrum management to deliver high‑impact missions.

Expect ownership of complex programs, close collaboration with Chief Engineers, and direct interaction with national-security customers. The role offers equity, a robust benefits package, and competitive base pay.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, math, science, or other technical discipline.
• 5+ years of aerospace program management experience.
• Proven track record of owning a technical program end to end.
• Experience moving hardware and software from prototype to flight-ready production.
• Understanding of transponders, SAR, or advanced communications systems.
• Experience identifying and mitigating risk without impacting mission.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead the team taking RF payloads from concept to qualification, high-rate production, and flight.
• Run multiple active programs, make architectural calls with Chief Engineers, manage trade-offs.
• Foster a culture of bold, data-driven decision making and leadership development.
• Manage high-stakes subcontracts and suppliers as strategic partners.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across hardware, software, and spectrum management to maintain速度 and quality.
• Serve as primary POC for National Security, civil, and commercial customers.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree in physics/ math/ or

5+ years aerospace PM experience

Owns a technical program end-to-end

Proven hardware & software maturation

Transponders/SAR/advanced comms

Identify and mitigate risks

Active TS/SCI clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline

Tools

Jira

Confluence

ERP

Job description

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA, seeks a Senior Technical Program Manager I for Advanced RF Systems (TS/SCI). You will own the technical roadmap from prototype to flight, leading teams across hardware, software, and spectrum management to deliver high‑impact missions.

Expect ownership of complex programs, close collaboration with Chief Engineers, and direct interaction with national-security customers. The role offers equity, a robust benefits package, and competitive base pay.