Senior Space Optics Program Manager

Rocket Lab; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Principal Program Manager to lead complex space programs for DoD/IC customers. You will manage contracts, coordinate cross‑functional teams, and drive schedules, cost, and technical performance. A security clearance and US citizenship are required, with experience in EO payloads and MBSE preferred.

You will oversee IMS/EVM metrics, lead customer meetings, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with executives to ensure mission success and strong partner relations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree requirement and 12+ years of program management experience with US Government programs.
• Experience leading complex space/defense programs and managing cross‑disciplinary teams.
• Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple contracts, ensuring cost, risk, schedule, staffing resources, and technical performance.
• Identify and mitigate risks, develop contingency/recovery plans, track financial impacts.
• Lead engineers in test planning and execution; communicate status to stakeholders.
• Develop IMS and contribute to EVM metrics; support proposals and ECP efforts.

Skills

Contract management

Risk management

Project leadership

Earned Value Management

Stakeholder communication

MBSE concepts

Active security clearance

US citizenship

Integrated Master Schedule

Education

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

Tools

Cameo Systems Modeler

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Principal Program Manager to lead complex space programs for DoD/IC customers. You will manage contracts, coordinate cross‑functional teams, and drive schedules, cost, and technical performance. A security clearance and US citizenship are required, with experience in EO payloads and MBSE preferred.

You will oversee IMS/EVM metrics, lead customer meetings, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with executives to ensure mission success and strong partner relations.